The Great Impersonation

About Oppenheim: Edward Phillips Oppenheim (October 22, 1866 – February 3, 1946), was an English novelist, in his lifetime a major and successful writer of genre fiction including thrillers. Featured on the cover of Time magazine on September 12, 1927, he was the self-styled "prince of storytellers." He composed some one hundred and fifty novels, mainly of the suspense and international intrigue nature, but including romances, comedies, and parables of everyday life. He was the earliest writer of spy fiction as understood today, and invented the "Rogue Male" school of adventure thrillers that was later exploited by John Buchan and Geoffrey Household. Undoubtedly his most renowned work was The Great Impersonation: it was filmed thrice, the last time as a strong piece of wartime propaganda. Perhaps Oppenheim's most enduring creation is the character of General Besserley, the protagonist of General Besserley's Puzzle Box and General Besserley's New Puzzle Box (one of his last works). Much of Oppenheim's work possesses a unique escapist charm, featuring protagonists who delight in Epicurean meals, surroundings of intense luxury, and the relaxed pursuit of criminal practice, on either side of the law. Source: Wikipedia Also available on Feedbooks for Oppenheim: • The Kingdom of the Blind (1916) • The Double Traitor (1915) • The Double Four (1911) • The Vanished Messenger (1914) • An Amiable Charlatan (1916) • The Evil Shepherd (1922) • The Zeppelin's Passenger (1918) • The Black Box (1915) • The Moving Finger (1911) • Berenice (1907) Copyright: This work is available for countries where copyright is Life+50 or in the USA (published before 1923). Note: This book is brought to you by Feedbooks. http://www.feedbooks.com Strictly for personal use, do not use this file for commercial purposes.

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Chapter

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The trouble from which great events were to come began when Everard Dominey, who had been fighting his way through the scrub for the last three quarters of an hour towards those thin, spiral wisps of smoke, urged his pony to a last despairing effort and came crashing through the great oleander shrub to pitch forward on his head in the little clearing. It developed the next morning, when he found himself for the first time for many months on the truckle bed, between linen sheets, with a cool, bamboo-twisted roof between him and the relentless sun. He raised himself a little in the bed. "Where the mischief am I?" he demanded. A black boy, seated cross-legged in the entrance of the banda, rose to his feet, mumbled something and disappeared. In a few moments the tall, slim figure of a European, in spotless white riding clothes, stooped down and came over to Dominey's side. "You are better?" he enquired politely. "Yes, I am," was the somewhat brusque rejoinder. "Where the mischief am I, and who are you?" The newcomer's manner stiffened. He was a person of dignified carriage, and his tone conveyed some measure of rebuke. "You are within half a mile of the Iriwarri River, if you know where that is," he replied,—"about seventy-two miles southeast of the Darawaga Settlement." "The devil! Then I am in German East Africa?" "Without a doubt." "And you are German?" "I have that honour." Dominey whistled softly. "Awfully sorry to have intruded," he said. "I left Marlinstein two and a half months ago, with twenty boys and plenty of stores. We were doing a big trek after lions. I took some new Askaris in and they made trouble,—looted the stores one night and there was the devil to pay. I was obliged to shoot one or two, and the rest deserted. They took my

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compass, damn them, and I'm nearly a hundred miles out of my bearings. You couldn't give me a drink, could you?" "With pleasure, if the doctor approves," was the courteous answer. "Here, Jan!" The boy sprang up, listened to a word or two of brief command in his own language, and disappeared through the hanging grass which led into another hut. The two men exchanged glances of rather more than ordinary interest. Then Dominey laughed. "I know what you're thinking," he said. "It gave me quite a start when you came in. We're devilishly alike, aren't we?" "There is a very strong likeness between us," the other admitted. Dominey leaned his head upon his hand and studied his host. The likeness was clear enough, although the advantage was all in favour of the man who stood by the side of the camp bedstead with folded arms. Everard Dominey, for the first twenty-six years of his life, had lived as an ordinary young Englishman of his position,—Eton, Oxford, a few years in the Army, a few years about town, during which he had succeeded in making a still more hopeless muddle of his already encumbered estates: a few months of tragedy, and then a blank. Afterwards ten years—at first in the cities, then in the dark places of Africa—years of which no man knew anything. The Everard Dominey of ten years ago had been, without a doubt, good-looking. The finely shaped features remained, but the eyes had lost their lustre, his figure its elasticity, his mouth its firmness. He had the look of a man run prematurely to seed, wasted by fevers and dissipation. Not so his present companion. His features were as finely shaped, cast in an even stronger though similar mould. His eyes were bright and full of fire, his mouth and chin firm, bespeaking a man of deeds, his tall figure lithe and supple. He had the air of being in perfect health, in perfect mental and physical condition, a man who lived with dignity and some measure of content, notwithstanding the slight gravity of his expression. "Yes," the Englishman muttered, "there's no doubt about the likeness, though I suppose I should look more like you than I do if I'd taken care of myself. But I haven't. That's the devil of it. I've gone the other way; tried to chuck my life away and pretty nearly succeeded, too." The dried grasses were thrust on one side, and the doctor entered,—a little round man, also clad in immaculate white, with yellow-gold hair and thick spectacles. His countryman pointed towards the bed. "Will you examine our patient, Herr Doctor, and prescribe for him what is necessary? He has asked for drink. Let him have wine, or

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He concluded his examination a few minutes later. so?" he asked. "What is my preserver's name?" he asked the doctor."
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. "but I drink whisky whenever I can get it. doctor! The smell of that cooking outside is making me ravenous. and he has not been ill one day. If he is well enough." the doctor informed him. but you can have some hock and seltzer with bay leaves.whatever is good for him." "Well." was the comforting assurance. not only here but in the swamps." he declared. with unthinking insolence. but until that time comes I shall drink whisky whenever I can get it." "All that!" Dominey muttered. I present my excuses." "The cook is preparing you some luncheon." the doctor announced. "Is he the Governor. The latter looked as though the questions were irreverent. He has been here for five years." "Your constitution is still sound if you would only respect it. "You have drunk much whisky lately. "and two of your ponies have been eaten by lions. Who wouldn't in this pestilential climate!" The doctor shook his head. The doctor was unmoved. or something of that sort?" "He is Military Commandant of the Colony. I have a despatch to write. "and I don't much mind when I hand in my checks." the Englishman rejoined a little recklessly. "Anything been heard of the rest of my party?" Dominey enquired. He was feeling his patient's pulse. You will excuse. "Some bodies of Askaris have been washed up from the river." was the curt reply." The man on the couch turned his head and watched the departing figure with a shade of envy in his eyes." "Damned fine-looking fellow for a German. "It is His Excellency the Major-General Baron Leopold Von Ragastein." the doctor replied. "and it will do you good to eat." Dominey remarked. I have been at death's door a dozen times." was the enthusiastic reply. who was bitten last night by a jaguar. "The climate is good as he is treated." "Send it along. "I don't know what the devil it's got to do with you. I have the wounds of a native to dress. "His Excellency drinks nothing but light wine and seltzer water. I cannot give you whisky at this moment. he will join our evening meal. "What a constitution I must have. "He has also a special mission here.

Devinter. sat at a little table arranged just outside the hut. when they three. number five in the boat.
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. a political machine. that they might catch the faint breeze from the mountains. not for sport?" "Entirely so. watching the fireflies rise above the tall-bladed grass. however. scrubby stretch of land which had been cleared for this encampment to the mass of bush and flowering shrubs beyond." "You mean to say that you've taken up this sort of political business just for its own sake. the Commandant. Baron Von Ragastein. and his thoughts wandered backwards. and hang like miniature stars in the clear. out here.—"Sigismund Devinter! You were at Eton with me—Horrock's House—semi-final in the racquets. I suppose. "Why. I do not use a sporting rifle once a month." was the solemn reply." "And why the devil did the doctor here tell me that your name was Von Ragastein?" "Because it happens to be the truth. and the one by which I was known when in England. When I succeeded to the barony and estates at my uncle's death. herald of the swift-falling darkness. it's a small world!" Dominey exclaimed. the doctor and himself. mysterious and impenetrable save for that rough elephant track along which he had travelled. except for necessity." "Well. violet air. to the broad-bosomed river. slaving for God knows what." Dominey drank deep of his hock and seltzer and leaned back. I came to Africa for different reasons.The traveller. I was compelled to also take the title. eh? You were always proud of your country. lay still in the hut." was the somewhat measured reply. Native servants beat the air around them with bamboo fans to keep off the insects. blue as the sky above. "Devinter is my family name. "Siggy Devinter. and the air was faint almost to noxiousness with the perfume of some sickly. and to the mountains fading into mist beyond. "What brought you out here really—lions or elephants?" "Neither." "My country is a country to be proud of." "And Magdalen afterwards. exotic shrub. drilling niggers to fight God knows whom. left alone. The face of his host had carried him back into the past. above the stumpy clumps of shrub. future Governor-General of German Africa. He looked out over the bare. you're Devinter!" he exclaimed suddenly. Puzzled reminiscence tugged at the strings of memory. "What a world!" he soliloquised. It came to him later on at dinner time.

"I heard some time ago that you have four times as many natives under arms as we have. disappeared into the commissariat hut and came back presently with a bottle at the sight of which the Englishman gasped. "What a world! I hadn't eaten for thirty hours when I rolled up here last night. when I was in the Army." Von Ragastein replied.
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. "in Germany and wherever we Germans go. fricassee of chicken. you're in earnest. It would have been finished last night if I hadn't seen the smoke from your fires. sometime—Can I have some rum or whisky." Von Ragastein replied. And I—well. who knows? When do you move on." "Surely you had your chance out here?" Dominey shook his head. Devinter—I mean Von Ragastein—Your Excellency—or whatever I ought to say? You see those wreaths of mist down by the river? They'll mean malaria for me unless I have spirits. and drunk nothing but filthy water for days. I go blundering on. "might have made a man of me. "If you really wish to know. and I don't much care—that's the trouble. if you don't shoot lions or elephants?" his guest asked curiously." "A war in my younger days. there's no mistake about that!" Dominey declared. Von Ragastein?" "Not for several days." Dominey continued. To-night. "Napoleon!" he exclaimed. You don't want an army here. I suppose the end will come somehow. it's finished with me. rolling it around in his glass." "I have something better than either." Dominey mused." "What the mischief do you find to do so far from headquarters. You're not likely to quarrel with us or the Portuguese. And to-morrow again—well. cabinet hock and Napoleon brandy." The orderly who stood behind his master's chair." Von Ragastein declared a little didactically. "I am delighted to offer it to some one who will appreciate it. "Just a few bottles I had sent to me. "in earnest about something. white bread." his host explained. anyhow."Well. received a whispered order." "By Jove. "I am annoying your political agents immensely by moving from place to place." "It is our custom. "You shall give me your opinion of this. collecting natives for drill. to be prepared not only for what is likely to happen but for what might possibly happen." "But what do you want to drill them for?" Dominey persisted.

ignoring altogether his friend's remark. a drifter with a slowly growing vice. two human beings of the same age." he observed. I am disposed to be philosophical. supervising reports home. "The eternal blackness exists surely enough. When you are not doing that. You are not yet forty years old. and Von Ragastein was thoughtful. an idler in my boyhood." he said. "upon that very blackness behind which the sun will rise at dawn. lazily stretching out his hand for his glass. lolling through life with no definite purpose. like a new and blazing world." "Don't put me off with allegories. you are prospecting. You rise at five every morning. That was the reason I chucked the army when I was really only a boy."My battalion never left the country. trying to make the best of your few millions of acres of fever swamps. and since then a drifter." Von Ragastein murmured. except. You will see it come up from behind the mountains in that precise spot. continued to be reminiscently discursive. a harmless pleasure-seeker in my youth till I ran up against tragedy. "We were shut up in Ireland all the time." Later on they dragged their chairs a little farther out into the darkness. Let me ramble on. "should be full of interest to the psychologist. You carry yourself like a man with a purpose. my friend?"
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. worn out. you have time to get over it. Here we are. "You are only my age. The doctor worships you but who else knows? What do you do it for." his companion objected petulantly. smoking cigars and drinking some rather wonderful coffee. with no definite hope or wish. Your muscles are hard. jogging on towards the eternal blackness along lines as far apart as the mind can conceive. even if my metaphor is faulty. The doctor had gone off to see a patient. Their guest. "Our meeting. You spend every moment of your time drilling those filthy blacks. and you look ten years younger. at dusk. Here am I. on the other side of the river. "that I think I'd like to be buried somewhere near the base of those mountains. on the other hand. and you return here." Dominey continued. from behind which you say the sun comes up every morning like a world on fire." he went on a little drowsily. brought up together thousands of miles away. "If there has been tragedy in your life." "You talk foolishly." "Then I turn and consider you. your eyes are as bright as they were in your school days. the doctor tells me. brought together by some miraculous chance to spend one night of our lives in an African jungle." "Your eyes are fixed." Von Ragastein protested.

" A quick flash of sympathy lit up Dominey's face. It is work which makes fibre." he groaned. In that perfumed darkness. You are not alone. but sorrow came to me. illuminated only by the faint gleam of the shaded lamp behind." "The difference between us. and I am here." "And I my will-o'-the-wisp." Dominey sighed." was the calm reply. His host leaned towards him and spoke for the first time in the kindlier tones of their youth. with a little money.
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. which gives balance to life. "I do not enjoy drilling natives. "is something which is inculcated into the youth of our country and which is not inculcated into yours. "The whole thing's as plain as a pikestaff. I should have found work in more joyous places. Tragedy also has entered my life. "Duty! But why can't you do your duty in your own country. a little birth. The mightiest German noble who ever lived has his work to do. a garden for loves. "You hinted at tragedy. and live a man's life. Perhaps if things had been otherwise. his face seemed suddenly white and old. His cigar." Von Ragastein pronounced. "We met trouble in a different fashion. dearly prized though it had been."Because it is my duty. my friend." Von Ragastein answered. your young men expect to find the world a playground for sport." Dominey laughed mockingly. You may be a dull dog—you always were on the serious side—but you're a man of principle. was cold between his fingers. I'm a slacker. and hold the hands of white men. In England. But I follow my star. I do not enjoy passing the years as an outcast from the ordinary joys of human life. and look into the eyes of white women?" "I go where I am needed most.

"I noticed it from the first moment of your arrival. "if I had had an incentive. and rhino may be met with at one or two places which the natives know of. "What he sets his mind to do." he announced. there are a dozen boys left and some ponies. He unburdened himself to the doctor as they drank tea together late in the afternoon. "has received important despatches from home. southward.Chapter
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Dominey slept till late the following morning." was the stolid reply." Dominey bathed and dressed." he confessed." Dominey murmured." "Very good of him. but all the same I have a queer sort of feeling that I'd like to see Von Ragastein again. you needn't rub it in. Herr Doctor. Have you noticed the likeness between us." the doctor declared enthusiastically. explained it immediately after his morning greeting. The resemblance must have been still more remarkable in your youth. The doctor. he was conscious of a curious quietness in the camp. sipped his excellent coffee." "I suppose I might have been like that. "You are very much alike yet very different. He is a man. Time has dealt with your features according to your deserts. Herr Doctor?" The latter nodded. and when he woke at last from a long. dreamless slumber." "Well. Your silent chief rather fascinates me. "I am not in the least keen on hunting." "He is a great man." Dominey protested irritably. he does. He has gone to meet an envoy from Dar-es-Salaam. He will be away for three days. "Is there any European news?" "I do not know. "His Excellency desired me to inform you that if you cared for a short trip along the banks of the river. who came in to see him. "and I feel like a horrible sponge.
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. He desired that you would remain his guest until his return. "His Excellency." he assented. and lounged about the place in uncertain mood. There are plenty of lion. He has something which I have lost." Dominey sighed.

you would be a different man. fierce chorus of night sounds. At dawn he watched for that strangely wonderful. came again but was beaten back." "I suppose I am pretty rocky?" "Your constitution has been abused." The desire for whisky passed. I have work. transforming birth of the day. His conversation with Von Ragastein had unsettled him. For the moment his love of sport. have much vitality. His pony almost collapsed as he swung himself off. On the first day he had striven to rid himself of them in the usual fashion. searching always for something which he failed to discover. The doctor nodded. "There is a case somewhere to be found. and at night he sat outside the banda. Late in the afternoon of the third day." he admitted. and there was a gleam of real satisfaction in his eyes as the two men shook hands. "I speak the truth. If you cared to exercise self-control for a few months. haven't you?" he asked. He drank lithia water instead. "Doctor." "He really left that message?" "Precisely as I have delivered it.—You must excuse. as beasts of prey crept noiselessly around the camp. What did it matter. Even the sight of a herd of elephants in the river and that strange. returned in the night so that he sat up with the sweat pouring down his face and his tongue parched. Without knowing definitely why. "His Excellency told me that I was to refuse you nothing. you've got some whisky. but he advises you to drink only the white wine until his return.
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. You still. You might have been as useful to your country as he is to his. however."I am rubbing nothing in." Dominey spent three restless days. Von Ragastein rode into the camp. If you had been possessed of the same moral stamina as His Excellency. failed to move him. you might have preserved your health and the things that count." the doctor replied with unruffled calm. Nevertheless. his last hold upon the world of real things. Memories that had long since ceased to torture were finding their way once more into his brain. dust and dirt were thick upon his face. he paused to greet his guest with punctilious courtesy. the killing of an animal more or less? His mind was fixed uneasily upon the past. His clothes were torn and drenched with the black mud of the swamps. seemed dead. he wanted him back again. waiting till the mountains on the other side of the river had lost shape and faded into the violet darkness.

There was something different in his manner. and the orderly was busy inside. "Tell me a little about your career now and your life in Germany before you came out here?" Von Ragastein made no immediate reply. I. and all the time he was conscious that for some reason or other his host's closest and most minute attention was being given to his slightest word. and the later episodes of his life. and Dominey found his glass filled once more with the wonderful brandy. "you speak to me of Germany. clearing the table. We will dine a little earlier. After the meal was over. upon the subject of Dominey's friends and relations. however. Champagne had been served and served freely. and with little left of his fatigue. Von Ragastein was one more himself. "My friend. always the most mysterious of silences. They were alone. The bush stillness. creeping nearer and nearer to the fire which burned at the end of the open space. seemed gradually to become charged with unvoiced passion. Perhaps you have guessed that it is not duty alone which has brought me here to these wild places. Only the black shapes of the servants were dimly visible as they twirled their fans. The silent orderly produced even larger cigars. left behind me a tragedy. The doctor had left them to visit the native camp nearly a quarter of a mile away. immaculate in white duck."
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." he said heartily. too. At dinner time. "I have trekked far. yet further removed from him in spirit and sympathy. The red rim of the moon rose a little higher from behind the mountains. speaking with the air of a man who has spent much time in deliberation. "Excuse me while I bathe and change." Dominey said. "I've been talking an awful lot of rot about myself." "A long trek?" Dominey asked curiously. and Dominey. their chairs were dragged as before into the open. So far I have not eaten today. and a curious silence ebbed and flowed between the two men. of my homeland. Dominey felt himself all the time encouraged to talk about his earlier life. up to the very gates of that one secret chamber." Von Ragastein said at last."I am glad that you are still here. talked volubly and without reserve.—and overhead the gleaming stars. with clean linen." was the quiet reply. Soon the animals began to call around them. shaved. He kept the conversation with curious insistence upon incidents of their school and college days. Every now and then a star shot across the sky. He was at once more attentive to his guest. some change which puzzled Dominey.

Von Ragastein. One he set down in the space provided for it in the arm of his guest's chair. and reappeared a moment or two later with two tumblers. To-night it is not weakness which assails me. almost harsh repression of the other's manner." "No city nor any civilised country will ever claim me again."
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." was the stern reply. though sons of a different country.Dominey's quick impulse of sympathy was smothered by the stern." "I cannot!" Dominey groaned. "no word of this matter has passed my lips. The words seemed to have been torn from his throat. "I should never have the courage to face what might come. and the voices of the two men had ceased. and you shall speak to me of your own curse. each with the iron in our souls. "I have nothing to do but obey." "You yield too much to environment. The howling of the animals had lessened with the paling of the fires. I shall tell you the thing which happened to me. vanished inside the banda. He rose to his feet. I shall go on all fours. but a desire to yield to the strange arm of coincidence. but it isn't human. "Listen." was the somewhat evasive reply. "In the life of the cities you would be a sentimentalist. "I shall drink a whisky and soda. There was no spark of tenderness or regret in his set face." he went on." An hour passed." A flicker of passion distorted Dominey's face. It was Von Ragastein who broke through what might almost have seemed a trance. You and I. meet here in the wilderness. We want the tide of people flowing around us." Dominey sighed. "Since the day of my banishment. "To-night I break what has become a rule with me. you and I. Curse these animals! If I live in this country much longer. flamed for a moment in his tone." "You are giving up your work here?" Dominey asked curiously." his companion observed. melancholy ripple of breeze was passing through the bush and lapping the surface of the river." he announced. "I am part of a great machine. and a slow. "Don't you want to get back to where a different sort of sun will warm your heart and fill your pulses? This primitive world is in its way colossal. the roar of wheels and the hum of human voices. schoolmates and college friends. it isn't a life for humans. I shall drink to the new things that may yet come to both of us. "But you will. We want streets. "Are you content to live and die like this?" he demanded.

" "It is Fate."
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. satisfied that his guest really slept. I can't force myself upon you. "As for yourself. friend of my school days. Farewell. They spoke together in German and with lowered voices. "leading where I shall follow—into the swamps!" A few minutes later Dominey threw himself upon his couch. "Where I go. before you awake." he muttered recklessly." Von Ragastein decided. He seemed to tower over the man who lounged in the chair before him. where the doctor. Can't we travel together?" Von Ragastein shook his head. almost pathetic. For us it must be farewell. curiously and unaccountably drowsy. just to shake hands and pass on. I am sick to death of niggers and animals." he protested. he turned and passed through the hanging curtain of dried grasses into the next banda. alas. "Everything. "It seems strange. they will be breaking up here to-morrow. "I must trek westward myself directly." Dominey said a little wistfully. "To-morrow. and I must travel alone. was awaiting him. Von Ragastein. I must go alone." Dominey was querulous. is as much as I can do for you. dear friend! We will drink the toast we drank our last night in your rooms at Magdalen. "I travel officially. who had come in to wish him good night." he replied." "So soon?" "By to-morrow night. stood looking down at him for several moments with significant intentness. He pointed to a light glowing fitfully in the bush. and a runner has gone on to Wadihuan for ponies to be prepared.Von Ragastein rose to his feet. far away even from the by-ways of life." Von Ragastein replied. "Everything progresses according to my orders?" he demanded. Then. "Finish your whisky and soda to our next meeting." he begged. That Sanscrit man translated it for us: 'May each find what he seeks!' We must follow our star. The dim outline of his erect form was in a way majestic. I shall be gone." "Well. He had a sudden hatred of solitude. "My will-o'-the-wisp. Excellency! The boys are being loaded. This. but they will lend you an escort and put you in the direction you wish to take. "or eastward. or northward—it doesn't so much matter. This must be our farewell. still fully dressed." Dominey laughed a little bitterly. to meet right out here. Von Ragastein had lost something of his imperturbability. though. "I must be on the other side of those mountains.

That."They know that I wish to start at dawn?" "All will be prepared. "the time. "You know what news has come to me from Berlin?" "Your Excellency has told me a little. A great idea has come to me. Von Ragastein turned his head and listened. I am recalled from here to take the place for which I was destined. "It is. I mixed him a sleeping draught with his whisky and soda." Von Ragastein proceeded." The doctor lit a cigar." he said." "I am to take up my residence in England. The means are left to my ingenuity. wicker chairs. he made his way to the opening of the banda and gazed in at Dominey's slumbering form. his voice shaking with deep emotion. Schmidt." "We speak in German. "happen to be that man's only accomplishment. "I have formed a great plan. He can speak German as fluently as you or I. Schmidt. He sleeps and he will continue to sleep." Von Ragastein laid his hand upon the doctor's shoulder. is of no consequence. Excellency." Von Ragastein pronounced. Not content with the sound of that regular breathing. I am to have a special mission." Von Ragastein pointed out." Von Ragastein rose to his feet." "Ah!" the doctor grunted. however. "The Day arrives. even the month. I shall return to England as Sir Everard Dominey. Schmidt. You know what that place is? You know why I was sent to an English public school and college?" "I can guess. "My principal need in England is an identity. is fixed. "I have made up my mind. Then he returned. "I listen. From Dominey's quarters came the sound of deep and regular breathing." the doctor reminded him." was the cautions reply. He paused a moment in thought and continued. "Come outside. Excellency. I am to find a place for myself there as an Englishman." "Languages." The two men seated themselves in the long. "I have something to tell you of my plans. the doctor in an attitude of strict attention." "So!"
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. I shall take this Englishman's. "It is something which you do not wish the Englishman to hear?" the doctor asked. Listen.

"She is insane—insane. Dominey. if necessary. My position in England will be unique." "What about his near relatives?" "He has none nearer than cousins." "It is a great scheme. Dominey still slept deeply. Late in the afternoon of the following day. The deep breathing inside the banda had certainly ceased. of political life." "Supposing. through a shock for which he was responsible. which watches over our country and which will make her mistress of the world. Schmidt." he confided. "you are sure that the Herr Englishman has the whisky?" "The water bottles are filled with nothing else. I know Dominey's relatives." "No wife?" Von Ragastein paused and turned his head. Herr Doctor. telling me many things that it is well for me to know. "So!" the doctor murmured." he said. Von Ragastein returned to his place. The little fat doctor stood and watched him." he pronounced. "He must not. and she is as though she did not exist. gazed down upon his guest's outstretched form. As Sir Everard Dominey I shall be able to penetrate into the inner circles of Society—perhaps. After a moment or two's watch. Herr Doctor. it seems. I shall be able. dropping his voice a little lower. "Heinrich."There is a remarkable likeness between us. and Dominey has not seen an Englishman who knows him for eight or ten years. Any school or college friends whom I may encounter I shall be able to satisfy." the doctor murmured enthusiastically. with a couple of boys for escort and his rifle slung across his shoulder. waving his hat until he was out of sight. "It is a wonderful one! That great and unrevealed Power. He rose to his feet and. To-night he has babbled for hours. "There is no water or soda water in the pack?" "Not one drop." the man replied. even. rode into the bush along the way he had come. must have guided this man to us." "How much food?"
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. "Therein lies his tragedy. stealing uneasily to the opening. I have stayed at Dominey." the doctor suggested. Then he called to the orderly. to remain in England even after the storm bursts. "this man Dominey should return to England?" Von Ragastein turned his head and looked towards his questioner. She might have been the only stumbling block. To all appearance.

" he murmured. "it will be better for the Englishman that he drinks. Herr Doctor. If the Englishman does not drink." The doctor sighed. He was not at heart an unkindly man."
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."One day's rations." "The beef is salt?" "It is very salt. Herr Doctor. they will take him at midnight to where His Excellency will be encamped at the bend of the Blue River." "The boys have their orders?" "They understand perfectly. "I think." "And the compass?" "It is ten degrees wrong.

" The solicitor composed his features to welcome a client who. passing it over to his manager. show him in!" Mr. Mangan directed ill-temperedly. an astonishment which became speedily blended with dismay. do you see this. however troublesome his affairs had become. that we only posted a draft for your allowance a few days ago. This surprise enabled him to infuse a little real heartiness into his welcome. speechless. with whom he had been in consultation. Why the mischief didn't he stay where he was!" "What shall I tell the gentleman.Chapter
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Mr. still represented a family who had been valued patrons of the firm for several generations. Instead. Then certain points of familiarity—the well-shaped nose. "Of course I shall. For a moment he stared at his visitor. "Dominey—Sir Everard Dominey—back here in England!" The head clerk glanced at the narrow piece of pasteboard and sighed. Dear me—you'll forgive my saying so—how well you look!" Dominey smiled as he accepted an easy chair. sir. he found himself extending his hand to one of the best turned out and handsomest men who had ever crossed the threshold of his not very inviting office. "There isn't an extra penny to be had out of the estates—you know that. "This is a most unexpected pleasure—most unexpected! Such a pity. sir?" the boy enquired. I'll finish these affidavits after lunch. Harrison. "My dear Sir Everard!" he exclaimed. the rather deep-set grey eyes—presented themselves. John Lambert Mangan of Lincoln's Inn gazed at the card which a junior clerk had just presented in blank astonishment. "I suppose I shall have to see him sooner or later.
18
. too. "I'm afraid you will find him rather a troublesome client." he answered testily. "Good God. looking older than his years. The last two quarters' allowance which we sent to Africa came out of the timber. Harrison?" he exclaimed." he remarked. Harrison. His employer frowned. He was prepared to greet a seedy-looking and degenerate individual. "Oh.

had received a great many visits from him at different times. nineteen hundred and two. that depends a little upon what you have to tell me." he murmured reminiscently. Mangan." he observed chiefly for the sake of saying something. "It—pardon my remarking it—has done wonderful things for you." "His—body has not been found?" "Nor any trace of it. Sir Everard. as I dare say you can understand." Mr. Mangan metaphorically pinched himself. The lawyer looked hard at Dominey. "And Lady Dominey?" the former asked at length." There was a brief silence. if that is what you mean. "I think it very likely that I may decide to settle down at Dominey Hall." Dominey continued. "Her ladyship's condition is. He had known his present client even during his school days. I don't think I need any just at present.
19
." the lawyer murmured." "Precisely. "that you are thinking of settling down here for a time now?" "I have finished with Africa." was the amazing answer. with a confident smile." was the somewhat grave reply. eleven years. "As to settling down here. well. I have no doubt you will be glad of a little ready money. and Dominey searchingly back again at the lawyer. Mr." Sir Everard tapped the toes of his carefully polished brown shoes with the end of his walking stick. "If the circumstances are favourable. It seems queer to find myself in London again. "I trust." The lawyer nodded. and could not remember one in which the question of finance had been dismissed in so casual a manner." he said. unchanged. after another moment's pause. "in April. "We'll talk about financial affairs a little later on. with just that faint note of patronage in his tone which took his listener back to the days of his present client's father." was the somewhat guarded reply. Let me see. it must be eleven years since we met. "that you may make yourself quite easy as regards the matter of Roger Unthank. "I left London." he added. Mangan."Africa's a wonderful country. "I think. "Thanks." The lawyer appeared doubtful. Nothing has ever been heard of him since the day you left England. I believe. Yes. "I was just wondering—I think that last remittance we sent to you could be stopped." he remarked.

"I have had three or four years of good luck. As I have repeatedly told you in our correspondence. "you will be very disappointed in the condition of the estate. perhaps. rather than gold and lawn tennis. for over four years. Mangan was a lawyer of the new-fashioned school. the rent roll. to have taken you more into my confidence. Mangan." Dominey observed coolly. and from what I remember of you in England—I'm sure you'll forgive my being so frank—I should never have expected you to have even attempted such a thing. and we have had to make up the difference and send you your allowance out of the proceeds of the outlying timber. "You'll forgive my being so astonished." his client continued." "My heartiest congratulations!" Mr." this unexpected visitor confessed. I suppose it will be a surprise to you to hear that I have been making a good deal of money." Mr." Dominey replied. Sir Everard.
20
. "I have made money in gold mines. in diamond mines and in land."I am afraid. Sir Everard. If you haven't happened to hear any South African gossip lately." he said. "I ought." Dominey smiled good-humouredly. after deducting your settlement upon Lady Dominey. that's neither here nor there. but you are the first Dominey I ever knew who has ever made a penny of money in any sort of way. "On the other hand. racquets and fives. with a frown. "when—er—about when did you receive my last letter?" "Your last letter?" Mr.—Harrow and Cambridge. Mangan found breath to murmur. "We have not had the privilege of hearing from you. "You making money. "However. I should have descended altogether to the commonplace and come back a millionaire. The business object of my visit to you this morning is to ask you to make arrangements as quickly as possible for paying off the mortgages on the Dominey estates. The only intimation we had that our payments had reached you was the exceedingly prompt debit of the South African bank. Mangan repeated. Sir Everard?" "I thought you'd be surprised." "Making money?" the lawyer gasped." he added. the Bath Club. I have been very much absorbed. By the by." "That is a pity. Instead of saying "God bless my soul!" he exclaimed "Great Scott!" dropped a very modern-looking eyeglass from his left eye. and leaned back in his chair with his hands in his pockets. I am afraid that if I had stayed out another year." "I have certainly been to blame. has at no time reached the interest on the mortgages.

I am staying at the Carlton. "I think that the total amount is under eighty thousand pounds." Mr. I will tell you about some of my speculations. to be strictly watched." "The Carlton grill room is quite excellent." Dominey sauntered through the office. by all means." this astonishing client told him. as they drew near their destination. the lawyer a little thoughtful. A shadow rested on his companion's face. could you instruct your clerk to have a list of the Dominey mortgages made out. "While I think of it. Mentally I believe that there is no change. you will find that I have a credit balance there of something over a hundred thousand pounds." the lawyer answered evasively." the latter said. she is in excellent health." The solicitor groped around for his hat. let us say a trifle more. with the terminable dates and redemption values?" "I will leave instructions." he said. I believe. I am afraid. "They are keeping me a table until half-past one. an object of much interest to the little staff of clerks. "I have a car outside. "Is her ladyship very much changed?" "Physically. Mangan." Mr. Do me the favour of lunching with me. "We will lunch there. She has unfortunately the same rather violent prejudice which I am afraid influenced your departure from England. "I will send the boy for a taxi. Mangan promised. in a measured tone. Then I have also—well. and although Africa will never be a favourite topic of conversation with me. I think you ought to be told that time does not seem to have lessened her tragical antipathy. Mr. Mangan suggested."Well. "she has sworn to take my life if ever I sleep under the same roof. "if you inquire at the United Bank of Africa. "Before we leave." he faltered. "I'm afraid my clubs are a little out of date. "I should be glad of a short conversation with you before you go down to Dominey." "She regards me still as the murderer of Roger Unthank?" Dominey asked. "Where shall we lunch?" Dominey asked. Sir Everard." Dominey said bitterly.
21
. the returned traveller gazing all the time out of the window into the crowded streets." the lawyer told him a little gravely." Dominey replied. invested in first-class mines. "Still." They drove off together." "In plain words. The lawyer joined him on the pavement in a few minutes." "With regard to anything in particular?" "With regard to Lady Dominey." "She will need.

" the lawyer assured him. of course." "If I had killed him. Roger Unthank has never been seen from that day to this." Dominey pointed out. am I liable. left within the shadow of the Black Wood. would ever be seen or heard of again!"
22
. There is scarcely a man or a woman for miles around Dominey who doesn't believe that the ghost of Roger Unthank still haunts the Black Wood near where you fought." "And I suppose that every one else has the same idea?" "The mystery. after all these years. "If the body should ever be found. that you fought in the park and that you staggered home almost senseless. you see."I am afraid she does. I don't think you would ever be indicted. "why was his body not found?" The lawyer shook his head. "In the first place. It is well known." "Let us be quite clear about this. "There are all sorts of theories. "has never been cleared up." Dominey insisted." he said." Mr. to be indicted for manslaughter?" "I think you may make your mind quite at ease. Mangan admitted." "And in the second?" "There isn't a human being in that part of Norfolk would ever believe that the body of man or beast. "but for one superstition you may as well be prepared.

Chapter

4

Mr. Mangan, on their way into the grill room, loitered for a few minutes in the small reception room, chatting with some acquaintances, whilst his host, having spoken to the maitre d'hotel and ordered a cocktail from a passing waiter, stood with his hands behind his back, watching the inflow of men and women with all that interest which one might be supposed to feel in one's fellows after a prolonged absence. He had moved a little to one side to allow a party of young people to make their way through the crowded chamber, when he was conscious of a woman standing alone on the topmost of the three thickly carpeted stairs. Their eyes met, and hers, which had been wandering around the room as though in search of some acquaintance, seemed instantly and fervently held. To the few loungers about the room, ignorant of any special significance in that studied contemplation of the man on the part of the woman, their two personalities presented an agreeable, almost a fascinating study. Dominey was six feet two in height and had to its fullest extent the natural distinction of his class, together with the half military, half athletic bearing which seemed to have been so marvellously restored to him. His complexion was no more than becomingly tanned; his slight moustache, trimmed very close to the upper lip, was of the same ruddy brown shade as his sleekly brushed hair. The woman, who had commenced now to move slowly towards him, save that her cheeks, at that moment, at any rate, were almost unnaturally pale, was of the same colouring. Her red-gold hair gleamed beneath her black hat. She was tall, a Grecian type of figure, large without being coarse, majestic though still young. She carried a little dog under one arm and a plain black silk bag, on which was a coronet in platinum and diamonds, in the other hand. The major-domo who presided over the room, watching her approach, bowed with more than his usual urbanity. Her eyes, however, were still fixed upon the person who had engaged so large a share of her attention. She came towards him, her lips a little parted. "Leopold!" she faltered. "The Holy Saints, why did you not let me know!"

23

Dominey bowed very slightly. His words seemed to have a cut and dried flavour. "I am so sorry," he replied, "but I fear that you make a mistake. My name is not Leopold." She stood quite still, looking at him with the air of not having heard a word of his polite disclaimer. "In London, of all places," she murmured. "Tell me, what does it mean?" "I can only repeat, madam," he said, "that to my very great regret I have not the honour of your acquaintance." She was puzzled, but absolutely unconvinced. "You mean to deny that you are Leopold Von Ragastein?" she asked incredulously. "You do not know me?" "Madam," he answered, "it is not my great pleasure. My name is Dominey—Everard Dominey." She seemed for a moment to be struggling with some embarrassment which approached emotion. Then she laid her fingers upon his sleeve and drew him to a more retired corner of the little apartment. "Leopold," she whispered, "nothing can make it wrong or indiscreet for you to visit me. My address is 17, Belgrave Square. I desire to see you to-night at seven o'clock." "But, my dear lady," Dominey began— Her eyes suddenly glowed with a new light. "I will not be trifled with," she insisted. "If you wish to succeed in whatever scheme you have on hand, you must not make an enemy of me. I shall expect you at seven o'clock." She passed away from him into the restaurant. Mr. Mangan, now freed from his friends, rejoined his host, and the two men took their places at the side table to which they were ushered with many signs of attention. "Wasn't that the Princess Eiderstrom with whom you were talking?" the solicitor asked curiously. "A lady addressed me by mistake," Dominey explained. "She mistook me, curiously enough, for a man who used to be called my double at Oxford. Sigismund Devinter he was then, although I think he came into a title later on." "The Princess is quite a famous personage," Mr. Mangan remarked, "one of the richest widows in Europe. Her husband was killed in a duel some six or seven years ago."

24

Dominey ordered the luncheon with care, slipping into a word or two of German once to assist the waiter, who spoke English with difficulty. His companion smiled. "I see that you have not forgotten your languages out there in the wilds." "I had no chance to," Dominey answered. "I spent five years on the borders of German East Africa, and I traded with some of the fellows there regularly." "By the by," Mr. Mangan enquired, "what sort of terms are we on with the Germans out there?" "Excellent, I should think," was the careless reply. "I never had any trouble." "Of course," the lawyer continued, "this will all be new to you, but during the last few years Englishmen have become divided into two classes—the people who believe that the Germans wish to go to war and crush us, and those who don't." "Then since my return the number of the 'don'ts' has been increased by one." "I am amongst the doubtfuls myself," Mr. Mangan remarked. "All the same, I can't quite see what Germany wants with such an immense army, and why she is continually adding to her fleet." Dominey paused for a moment to discuss the matter of a sauce with the head waiter. He returned to the subject a few minutes later on, however. "Of course," he pointed out, "my opinions can only come from a study of the newspapers and from conversations with such Germans as I have met out in Africa, but so far as her army is concerned, I should have said that Russia and France were responsible for that, and the more powerful it is, the less chance of any European conflagration. Russia might at any time come to the conclusion that a war is her only salvation against a revolution, and you know the feeling in France about Alsace-Lorraine as well as I do. The Germans themselves say that there is more interest in military matters and more progress being made in Russia to-day than ever before." "I have no doubt that you are right," agreed Mr. Mangan. "It is a matter which is being a great deal discussed just now, however. Let us speak of your personal plans. What do you intend to do for the next few weeks, say? Have you been to see any of your relatives yet?" "Not one," Dominey replied. "I am afraid that I am not altogether keen about making advances."

25

Mr. Mangan coughed. "You must remember that during the period of your last residence in London," he said, "you were in a state of chronic impecuniosity. No doubt that rather affected the attitude of some of those who would otherwise have been more friendly." "I should be perfectly content never to see one of them again," declared Dominey, with perfect truth. "That, of course, is impossible," the lawyer protested. "You must go and see the Duchess, at any rate. She was always your champion." "The Duchess was always very kind to me," Dominey admitted doubtfully, "but I am afraid she was rather fed up before I left England." Mr. Mangan smiled. He was enjoying a very excellent lunch, which it seemed hard to believe was ordered by a man just home from the wilds of Africa, and he thoroughly enjoyed talking about duchesses. "Her Grace," he began— "Well?" The lawyer had paused, with his eyes glued upon the couple at a neighbouring table. He leaned across towards his companion. "The Duchess herself, Sir Everard, just behind you, with Lord St. Omar." "This place must certainly be the rendezvous of all the world," Dominey declared, as he held out his hand to a man who had approached their table. "Seaman, my friend, welcome! Let me introduce you to my friend and legal adviser, Mr. Mangan—Mr. Seaman." Mr. Seaman was a short, fat man, immaculately dressed in most conventional morning attire. He was almost bald, except for a little tuft on either side, and a few long, fair hairs carefully brushed back over a shining scalp. His face was extraordinarily round except towards his chin, where it came to a point; his eyes bright and keen, his mouth the mouth of a professional humourist. He shook hands with the lawyer with an empressement which was scarcely English. "Within the space of half an hour," Dominey continued, "I find a princess who desires to claim my acquaintance; a cousin," he dropped his voice a little, "who lunches only a few tables away, and the man of whom I have seen the most during the last ten years amidst scenes a little different from these, eh, Seaman?" Seaman accepted the chair which the waiter had brought and sat down. The lawyer was immediately interested. "Do I understand, then," he asked, addressing the newcomer, "that you knew Sir Everard in Africa?"

26

Seaman beamed. "Knew him?" he repeated, and with the first words of his speech the fact of his foreign nationality was established. "There was no one of whom I knew so much. We did business together—a great deal of business—and when we were not partners, Sir Everard generally got the best of it." Dominey laughed. "Luck generally comes to a man either early or late in life. My luck came late. I think, Seaman, that you must have been my mascot. Nothing went wrong with me during the years that we did business together." Seaman was a little excited. He brushed upright with the palm of his hand one of those little tufts of hair left on the side of his head, and he laid his plump fingers upon the lawyer's shoulder. "Mr. Mangan," he said, "you listen to me. I sell this man the controlling interests in a mine, shares which I have held for four and a half years and never drew a penny dividend. I sell them to him, I say, at par. Well, I need the money and it seems to me that I had given the shares a fair chance. Within five weeks—five weeks, sir," he repeated, struggling to attune his voice to his civilised surroundings, "those shares had gone from par to fourteen and a half. To-day they stand at twenty. He gave me five thousand pounds for those shares. To-day he could walk into your stock market and sell them for one hundred thousand. That is the way money is made in Africa, Mr. Mangan, where innocents like me are to be found every day." Dominey poured out a glass of wine and passed it to their visitor. "Come," he said, "we all have our ups and downs. Africa owes you nothing, Seaman." "I have done well in my small way," Seaman admitted, fingering the stem of his wineglass, "but where I have had to plod, Sir Everard here has stood and commanded fate to pour her treasures into his lap." The lawyer was listening with a curious interest and pleasure to this half bantering conversation. He found an opportunity now to intervene. "So you two were really friends in Africa?" he remarked, with a queer and almost inexplicable sense of relief. "If Sir Everard permits our association to be so called," Seaman replied. "We have done business together in the great cities—in Johannesburg and Pretoria, in Kimberley and Cape Town—and we have prospected together in the wild places. We have trekked the veldt and been lost to the world for many months at a time. We have seen the real wonders of Africa together, as well as her tawdry civilisation." "And you, too," Mr. Mangan asked, "have you retired?"

27

Seaman's smile was almost beatific. "The same deal," he said, "which brought Sir Everard's fortune to wonderful figures brought me that modest sum which I had sworn to reach before I returned to England. It is true. I have retired from money-making. It is now that I take up again my real life's work." "If you are going to talk about your hobby," Dominey observed, "you had better order them to serve your lunch here." "I had finished my lunch before you came in," his friend replied. "I drink another glass of wine with you, perhaps. Afterwards a liqueur—who can say? In this climate one is favoured, one can drink freely. Sir Everard and I, Mr. Mangan, have been in places where thirst is a thing to be struggled against, where for months a little weak brandy and water was our chief dissipation." "Tell me about this hobby?" the lawyer enquired. Dominey intervened promptly. "I protest. If he begins to talk of that, he'll be here all the afternoon." Seaman held out his hands and rolled his head from side to side. "But I am not so unreasonable," he objected. "Just one word—so? Very well, then," he proceeded quickly, with the air of one fearing interruption. "This must be clear to you, Mr. Mangan. I am a German by birth, naturalised in England for the sake of my business, loving Germany, grateful to England. One third of my life I have lived in Berlin, one third at Forest Hill here in London, and in the city, one third in Africa. I have watched the growth of commercial rivalries and jealousies between the two nations. There is no need for them. They might lead to worse things. I would brush them all away. My aim is to encourage a league for the promotion of more cordial social and business relations between the people of Great Britain and the people of the German Empire. There! Have I wasted much of your time? Can I not speak of my hobby without a flood of words?" "Conciseness itself," Mangan admitted, "and I compliment you most heartily upon your scheme. If you can get the right people into it, it should prove a most valuable society." "In Germany I have the right people. All Germans who live for their country and feel for their country loathe the thought of war. We want peace, we want friends, and, to speak as man to man," he concluded, tapping the lawyer upon the coat sleeve, "England is our best customer." "I wish one could believe," the latter remarked, "that yours was the popular voice in your country." Seaman rose reluctantly to his feet.

28

"At half-past two," he announced, glancing at his watch, "I have an appointment with a woollen manufacturer from Bradford. I hope to get him to join my council." He bowed ceremoniously to the lawyer, nodded to Dominey with the familiarity of an old friend, and made his bustling, good-humoured way out of the room. "A sound business man, I should think," was the former's comment. "I wish him luck with his League. You yourself, Sir Everard, will need to develop some new interests. Why not politics?" "I really expect to find life a little difficult at first," admitted Dominey, with a shrug of his shoulders. "I have lost many of the tastes of my youth, and I am very much afraid that my friends over here will call me colonial. I can't fancy myself doing nothing down in Norfolk all the rest of my days. Perhaps I shall go into Parliament." "You must forgive my saying," his companion declared impulsively, "that I never knew ten years make such a difference in a man in my life." "The colonies," Dominey pronounced, "are a kill or cure sort of business. You either take your drubbing and come out a stronger man, or you go under. I had the very narrowest escape from going under myself, but I just pulled together in time. To-day I wouldn't have been without my hard times for anything in the world." "If you will permit me," Mr. Mangan said, with an inherited pomposity, "on our first meeting under the new conditions, I should like to offer you my hearty congratulations, not only upon what you have accomplished but upon what you have become." "And also, I hope," Dominey rejoined, smiling a little seriously and with a curious glint in his eyes, "upon what I may yet accomplish." The Duchess and her companion had risen to their feet, and the former, on her way out, recognising her solicitor, paused graciously. "How do you do, Mr. Mangan?" she said. "I hope you are looking after those troublesome tenants of mine in Leicestershire?" "We shall make our report in due course, Duchess," Mangan assured her. "Will you permit me," he added, "to bring back to your memory a relative who has just returned from abroad—Sir Everard Dominey?" Dominey had risen to his feet a moment previously and now extended his hand. The Duchess, who was a tall, graceful woman, with masses of fair hair only faintly interspersed with gray, very fine brown eyes, the complexion of a girl, and, to quite her own confession, the manners of a kitchen maid, stared at him for a moment without any response. "Sir Everard Dominey?" she repeated. "Everard? Ridiculous!"

29

You gave me—this. "I simply cannot bring myself to believe it. Omar chuckled vaguely." he continued. turning to the young man who stood now by her side. He only returned from Africa during the last few days. Omar. "and don't say another word! There's my grown-up nephew. I am half an hour late for my dressmaker already. "God bless you! If ever a woman got what she deserved! I've seen a duchess blush—first time in my life!"
30
. paying his bill almost within earshot. a faint smile played at the corners of her lips. "and?" "I am to take that as a challenge?" Dominey asked." she declared. but do shake hands with him and come along." "You were a little kinder to me." she went on. "Sir Everard. put that thing away. St. Come and see me at half-past three this afternoon. I'll challenge you. wholly good-natured but ministered to by her natural obstinacy." she cried. nodded affably to the lawyer and followed his aunt out of the room. "You came to say good-bye. And. "this is a connection of yours—Sir Everard Dominey." The Duchess was a little staggered. "Come." he exclaimed. "that there is no doubt whatever about Sir Everard's identity.Dominey's extended hand was at once withdrawn. then shook hands with his newfound relative. drawing a small picture from his pocketbook. Omar. St." was the prompt reply. He is a terrible person." she repeated. "than you are to-day. and the tentative smile faded from his lips." he added. She was suddenly a very attractive looking woman. "As you will. "I can assure your Grace. Her eyes softened." he insisted earnestly. and don't be a minute late. The lawyer plunged into the breach." The Duchess's incredulity remained. standing very upright and looking her in the eyes." Lord St. "and you permitted—" "For heaven's sake. "I came to say good-bye to you. Mangan's expression was beatific. When did we meet last?" "At Worcester House.

She motioned him to a seat by her side and once more scrutinised him with unabashed intentness. "which kept me for so long in the furthest corners of the world. I am not in the least in love with you any longer. and I know.Chapter
5
Worcester House was one of those semi-palatial residences set down apparently for no reason whatever in the middle of Regent's Park. How you are going to live over here I cannot imagine. "Look here. and finally ushered into a tiny little boudoir leading out of a larger apartment and terminating in a conservatory filled with sweet-smelling exotics. held out her hand. "All the same. Dominey. "What's happened to poor Henry?"
31
. too. which her visitor raised to his lips." he rejoined." she declared. who was his intimate friend. "it is better for us to have a perfectly clear understanding upon one point." "It was the fear of that change in you. and retained by later generations in mute protest against the disfiguring edifices which had made a millionaire's highway of Park Lane. you know." "Lecturing?" Dominey repeated. I know the exact position of your affairs. The poor man has scarcely enough pocket money to pay his travelling expenses when he goes lecturing." "Not bad." she remarked critically. that the two hundred a year which your lawyer has been sending out to you came partly out of a few old trees and partly out of his own pocket." She looked at him with a severity which was obviously assumed. but it isn't the least use expecting Henry to do a thing for you. "There's something wrong about you. who was first scrutinised by an individual in buff waistcoat and silk hat at the porter's lodge. "That seems very unfortunate. "when I return to find you wholly unchanged. I have changed. It had been acquired by a former duke at the instigation of the Regent." she said." he sighed. was interviewed by a major-domo in the great stone hall. who was reclining in an easy-chair. The Duchess. conducted through an extraordinarily Victorian drawing-room by another myrmidon in a buff waistcoat.

" was the dignified reply. I suppose you must be Everard. I came in for a considerable sum of money towards the end of my stay there. She drew a little back—and too abruptly. I can assure you that I have come back to England not to borrow money but to spend it. though. wasn't he?" Dominey observed. "My dear Everard. Quite unexpectedly." "Dear Henry was always a little cranky. sat perfectly still for a moment with her mouth open. I must admit." he replied. lecturing on national defence. But you are so stiff." Caroline. Just now there was something in your eyes exactly like his. "You make love like a garden rake." she complained. and I want Henry to jot down on paper at once those few amounts he was good enough to lend me in the old days. He moved his chair deliberately a little nearer." She sighed."My husband is an exceedingly conscientious man. "And a few minutes ago I was nearly observing that you had lost your sense of humour!" "I am in earnest." he persisted." His cousin shook her head mournfully. "and been able to marry a Dutch Jewess. Her face was perilously near to his. "Henry is in the house! Besides—Yes. "Let me put your mind at rest on that other matter. I should have qualified for Park Lane." "And you are really well off?" she asked again wonderingly. Have you been drilling out there or anything?" He shook his head. took her hand and raised it to his lips." "And you?" She looked positively distressed. Caroline. Henry will love having his money back." he murmured. "One spends half one's time in the saddle. "If I had stayed there another year. "It's too wonderful. I am paying off the mortgages at Dominey at once." she whispered. Duchess of Worcester. a condition which was entirely natural but unbecoming. "The weight of evidence is rather that way. "And you mean to tell me that you really are Everard Dominey?" she exclaimed. "Africa has turned out to be my Eldorado. and instead of that you look
32
. You should have leaned towards me with a quiver in your voice when you said those last two words. "You've lost all your manners. "He goes from town to town with Lord Roberts and a secretary.

Mangan—he thinks that you are safe over here?" "Perfectly. of admiration. with a positive glint of steel in your eyes. "You won't want an old woman like me to assist you." She made a little grimace. dressed in old-fashioned clothes and wearing a pince-nez." he pleaded. reedy voice. too. You'll have the town at your feet." she told him. They'll forget everything you want them to. "But—your wife?" "She is there. flirt with our married beauties." She looked at him earnestly. Everard. "I thought of going down to Dominey to-morrow." "You forgot what?" he asked steadfastly." "One sees a woman once in a blue moon out there. "Why not be brave and have her removed. "now that you are wealthy and regenerate. I know how tender-hearted you are. "You'll find that no one will have a word to say against you. Is there any change in your wife?" "Not much." he answered. Caroline suddenly broke off in her speech and glanced warningly towards the larger room. or—I'm sorry. I am afraid. "I cannot help it. to say exactly the right thing in the right manner. Perhaps she had never admitted." she begged suddenly. "I forgot the tragedy which finally drove you abroad. I forgot your marriage. grey-haired man.as though you were sitting at attention." "I shall pick it up. I forgot. He addressed the Duchess in a thin. I have been an exile from my home long enough. but you have your future and your career to consider." he declared hopefully." he said. how fond she had been of this scapegrace cousin. too. "with a little assistance. something." "And Mr. I believe. A tall. When will you come and dine here and meet all your relatives?" "Whenever you are kind enough to ask me." She looked at him with a new thing in her eyes—something of fear. "You've changed. you ought not to give her the opportunity—" Dominey could never make up his mind whether the interruption which came at that moment was welcome or otherwise. You'll be able to frivol with musical comedy. It was a sixth sense with you to make love in exactly the right tone. She shook her head. Everard. For her sake.
33
. even to herself." "Don't go. had lifted the curtains.

too. yes! But you seem taller. but I hope you haven't quite forgotten me. turning to the young man in the background." the Duke acquiesced. "Most amazing!" the Duke declared. holding out his hand. and Dominey exchanged a solemn handshake with him. Henry. The unexpected return of a connection of my wife must be my apology for this lapse of manners." his wife remarked drily." the Duke confessed courteously. Captain Bartram. "I am not the only one. dear me! Africa has done wonderfully by you. who are convinced that Germany has evil designs upon us?" the former said. looking at him enquiringly. commanding figure—and stood waiting the approach of the newcomer. my dear. Let me present you to the Duchess." Caroline observed. I see—same complexion. I did not know that you were engaged. sir. "Most sorry. was hovering in the background. "And I have a surprise for you too. "I must plead guilty to the surprise. Yes. then. We will not stay. "There is something exceedingly familiar about your face. Henry—a very great surprise. yes. Dear. beyond a doubt." was the calm assurance. returned from foreign exile and regenerated in every sense of the word." "You see. do present your friend. smiling." "How do you do?" Dominey said. Everard. but I cannot remember having had the privilege of meeting you. Captain Bartram is just back from Germany. "I seem to be rather a surprise to every one. and is an enthusiastic supporter of our cause. "You. but I should like to present to you a young friend of mine who is going to help me at the meeting this evening. very obviously a soldier in mufti. I think you will find it!" Dominey rose to his feet—a tall." "Precisely so. "Most amazing! I never saw such a change in my life."My dear Caroline. my dear Captain Bartram. her voice once more attuned to its natural drawl. A young man." he began. who did not accept you upon a glance. are one of those. Delighted." "God bless my soul!" the Duke exclaimed. of course—nose and eyes—yes. This is Everard Dominey. "You don't mean to say that you're really Everard Dominey?" "I am he. The Duke advanced. "In the meantime." his wife replied.
34
. and you carry yourself like a soldier.—"ah. as he shook hands." "Do bring him in." Caroline shook hands kindly with her husband's protege. my dear Everard! Delighted!" "You'll be more delighted still when you hear the rest of the news. you must forgive me.—Sir Everard Dominey.

For that reason." The Duke's face fell." Dominey replied. perhaps. "and although I spent the earlier part of that time trekking after big game. "Our young friend is right. I have come back convinced that we shall be at war with Germany within a couple of years. "Three times a week for many months I have been drumming the fact into the handful of woodenheaded Englishmen who have deigned to come to our meetings." the young soldier replied. trying to provoke unsettlement and disquiet amongst the Boers? Isn't it true that they apprehend a war with England before very long and are determined to stir up the Colony against us?" "I am very sorry. and there doesn't seem to be the slightest discontent amongst the Boers or any one else. "is naturally interesting. "Most interesting!" his questioner exclaimed."I have just returned from Germany after twelve months' stay there." "Did you see anything of the Germans out there? Were you anywhere near their Colony?" "I have been in touch with them for some years. sir. my observations may have been at fault.—You are just back from Africa. I have made myself a nuisance to the House of Lords and the Press. but I am bound to say that it is in direct opposition to all I have heard. "but I am not a politician in any shape or form." he declared. indeed! Now tell me." "The only people who seem to have any cause for discontent. "I went with an open mind." the young soldier remarked." Dominey replied. It is a terrible thing to realise how hard it is to make an Englishman reflect." Dominey continued. "are the English settlers. Everard. Sir Everard." the Duke echoed fervently." The Duke nodded vigorously. All the Germans whom I have met out there seem a most peaceful race of men." "What you say about South Africa." Dominey continued. Everard?" "Within a week. lately I am bound to confess that every thought and energy I possess have been centered upon money-making. I shall claim the privilege of coming
35
." "And I. I didn't commence to do any good myself there till a few years ago. isn't it true that they have secret agents out there. so long as he is making money and having a good time. "You may be of service to us. "I have lived there for the last eleven years. "This is very surprising. but I have heard some queer stories about the way our own people were treated after the war. You may.

" his wife acquiesced." "Everard is changed in more ways than one." The Duke collapsed into an easy-chair. of course. sir?" she added. "He intends to repay it at once. but I find you more changed than I could have believed possible. "Dominey Hall will really find you?" she asked a little curiously. When the curtains had fallen he turned to his wife. we are very glad to see him back again. "Most certainly!" There was again that little flutter of fear in her eyes. The servant whom the Duchess had summoned stood holding the curtains on one side. that although. who had risen to leave. followed by a momentary flash of admiration." he said." he repeated. Mangan in a day or two. bent over her hand. "Everard pay his debts?" he exclaimed. "What about my dinner party." Caroline smiled. "My dear Everard. "I shall hope to see you again shortly." Dominey said. Dominey shook hands gravely with his host and nodded to Bertram. "Everard Dominey pay off the mortgages?" "That is what I understand. as he completed his leave-taking. my dear. "A little matter of business. The Duke clutched at the last refuge of a weak but obstinate man. Dominey. with faint irony." his wife observed.
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. He has apparently made a fortune in Africa." he declared. "forgive my remarking it. "Everard was alluding to the money he already owes you. it is absolutely hopeless for him to look to me for any financial assistance at the present moment. and of trying to understand this question." she explained." His august connection blinked at him a little curiously for a moment behind his glasses." he replied." The Duke gazed after the retreating figure of this very amazing visitor. Duke. Duke. His mouth came together like a rat-trap. "As soon as I return from Norfolk. He is also paying off the Dominey mortgages. You will probably hear from Mr. "There's something wrong about it somewhere. "I hope you have explained to Everard.to one of your first meetings. "There is a little matter of business to be adjusted between us.

"It was not an unforgivable act." "Rubbish!" Dominey exclaimed. ignored his demeanour. "Are you aware." Dominey asked him. "As Leopold Von Ragastein." Dominey muttered. The Princess is a woman of sense and a woman of political insight. "Now. my friend. claims which would altogether interfere with the career of Everard Dominey." "There are duels and duels. "I am a man of commerce and I do things in a business way. with his eyes fixed upon his companion's. "but I see no tragedy in the situation." Seaman replied. closed and fastened the door and extended himself in an easy-chair. Seaman laid his hat. we met by appointment at a certain hotel in Cape Town. His companion. however." he said. "Sit opposite to me." Dominey said slowly. gloves and walking stick upon the sideboard." "I killed a man in a duel. Three months ago this very week. He then looked into the connecting bedroom. "that I am expected to call upon the Princess Eiderstrom at seven o'clock?" "I have your word for it." he said. "We were unknown to one another. "I had only heard of the Baron Von Ragastein as a devoted German citizen and patriot. waiting for Seaman." Dominey obeyed a little sullenly. the Princess has indisputable claims upon me and my liberty. in defence of the honour of or to gain the favour of a young lady in their own
37
. It was not until nearly seven that the latter appeared. A fight between two young men. engaged in an important enterprise in East Africa by special intercession of the Kaiser. "We will talk together." Seaman continued. Let us take stock of our position." "Only three months. While I cannot recommend you to take her entirely into your confidence." With methodical neatness. on account of a certain unfortunate happening in Hungary.Chapter
6
Dominey spent a very impatient hour that evening in his sitting-room at the Carlton. beating upon the palm of one hand with the forefinger of his other. I still think that a middle course can be judiciously pursued. my friend.

" Seaman agreed. I am to render myself so far as possible a persona grata in that country. Neither must there be any stint to our loyalty. and. I simply look upon you as a culprit in the eyes of our master. "I am not of your order and I probably do not understand the etiquette of these matters. "what more he would have? I have spent weary years in a godless and fever-ridden country. You have made it uncommonly expensive. after a wild lunge. but we do not grudge money.station of life. and you certainly seemed to wear it wonderfully. "I should have held no place whatever in English social life. has never been against the conventions of the Court. raising up for our arms a great troop of natives." "Perhaps you will tell me. to become the lover of the wife of one of the greatest nobles in Hungary. On the other hand." "All that you say is granted." "Let that pass." Seaman declared. well-known to be one of the most passionate women in Europe. and to secure possession by killing the husband in the duel which his honour makes a necessity is looked upon very differently. "nor was it at my desire that we met at all." Dominey protested. "In this instance. I transform myself into an English country gentleman. and I think you will admit that I have done so with great success. I do not wait for our meeting. on to the point of my stationary sword. Remember that the question of our identities might crop up any day. and I feel that he has a right to demand from you much in the way of personal sacrifice. and I should have received no welcome from those with whom I imagine you desire me to stand well." "I had no wish to kill the Prince. at school and at college. "You met me at Cape Town in your new identity." Dominey pointed out. nor any stint. under such identity as I might assume after consultation with you at Cape Town." Dominey protested.
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. I am to take up the work for which I was originally intended. for which I was given an English education." Dominey demanded. whilst her love affair with Leopold Von Ragastein is still remembered. Everard Dominey cannot throw himself at the feet of the Princess Eiderstrom." "Again I make no complaints." Seaman said. I have undertaken other political commissions in the Colony which may bear fruit. I am to repair to England." "I could not return home to a poverty-stricken domain. "it is not a matter of loyalty." he added gravely. I see a great chance and I make use of it. The Prince fought like a madman and slipped. We were friends over here in England. "There is no bottom to our purse.

" Dominey. perhaps. I do not. What is your proposition?" "That you see the Princess in my place at once. here and there there may be doubts. with a twitch at the corner of his lips. "There is reason in what you say. But let her remember that even between us two." "You probably had not met the Princess before?" "I had not. I must confess that I found her a lady of somewhat overpowering temperament. You and she will meet within the course of the next few hours. that I lay unnecessary stress upon this. "I was told to be at Belgrave Square at seven o'clock. "In the meantime." Seaman continued. "the Princess understands the situation and is. She will at any rate do nothing rash." "August next year can take care of itself. I am and must remain Everard Dominey. To proceed! As I drove back here after my interview
39
. He was welcomed with a little wave of the hand. and I am entirely and with all my heart at her service. descending about an hour later. "that somewhere about August next year you will find your hands full. Perfectly though I may play my part. You think. "Since my visit I am bound to admit that I realise a little more fully your anxiety. "I have done your errand. to her as to the rest of the world. found his friend Seaman already established at a small." "I will have an understanding with the Princess. I know the Princess and I know myself. and cocktails were at once ordered. my young friend. I fancy. in the solitude of her room as in the drawing-room where we might meet. "It is for a few months only." he admitted presently. it can be Everard Dominey only until my mission is ended.and there are many who still remember the likeness between us. impressed." promised Seaman." Dominey replied. I think. Let her be content with such measure of friendship and admiration as Sir Everard Dominey might reasonably offer to a beautiful woman whom he met to-day for the first time. There will be doubts no longer if I am to be dragged at the chariot wheels of the Princess. for political reasons. but on reasonable terms." Seaman continued. "Point out to her that for the present." was the cool reply. far-away table set in one of the recesses of the grill room." Seaman announced." Seaman glanced at the clock." Seaman was silent for a moment. "At what hour was your appointment?" "It was not an appointment. it was a command." Dominey suggested eagerly. as he took up his hat. "Dine with me downstairs at eight o'clock on my return.

Therefore." Seaman touched his forehead and drained the remaining contents of his glass." Seaman acquiesced." "Terniloff?" "Precisely! You have maintained. I decided that it was time you made the acquaintance of the person who is chiefly responsible for your presence here. until the greater events stir. it is not England or the English which are to engage your attention. my dear friend. You can believe in Germany or fear her—whichever you like. you could not in six months' time appreciably affect the position either way. to concentrate the greater part of my energies in leading the natural life of the man whose name and place I have taken. "is very broad-minded. Give yourself thoroughly into the life of Sir Everard Dominey. Satisfied at last that there was no chance of being overheard. You are not connected with our remarkably perfect system of espionage in the slightest degree. You can join your cousin's husband in his crusade for National Service. during which one waiter had brought their cocktails and another received their order for dinner." "Quite so." Dominey observed. he continued: "The first idea you have to get out of your head. They are here.with the Princess. Baronet. is that you are a spy. as though interested in the people. If there is anything of the spy about your mission here.
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. You are nothing of the sort." Dominey was startled. "My instructions are to trust you absolutely. "and. We require you to concentrate wholly and entirely upon Terniloff. or you can join me in my efforts to cement the bonds of friendship and affection between the citizens of the two countries. of Dominey Hall. we choose to have you concentrate the whole of your energies upon one task and one task only. He glanced around the room for a moment or two." "This. "With all your ability. You are a free agent in all that you may choose to say or do. Norfolk." Seaman went on after a brief pause. We really do not care in the least." "It is common sense. "a very discreet and laudable silence with regard to those further instructions which were promised to you immediately you should arrive in London. Those instructions will never be committed to writing." Dominey admitted." was the prompt reply. if it is there. my young friend. and pursue exactly the course which you think Sir Everard himself would be likely to take. Choose your own part.

that I have made an appointment for you to see him at eleven o'clock to-night at the Embassy. my friend. Not even my immediate associates were in the secret. So far all has gone well?" "Perfectly. you are waiting for instructions."Terniloff?" he repeated."
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. all this has been dealt with satisfactorily. though. of whom you were speaking just now." "He has been a very troublesome friend. my cousin's husband. but—" "Empty your mind of all preconceived ideas." "I was on the point of telling you." "I begin to understand. "You must remember." "As yet. "What your duties are with regard to Terniloff will grow upon you gradually as the situation develops." Seaman assured his companion. and Schmidt continually emphasised your promise to let him hear from Cape Town. "I expected to work with him. You will go to him at that hour. You must have endeared yourself to him. He is a missioner of peace. that there is your end to keep up." "That is all understood. Berlin will be receiving frantic messages from East Africa as to my disappearance." Dominey remarked. who apparently died in the bush. Take care not to disturb him. you know nothing." Seaman was momentarily anxious. "by my nearest living relative. and so far you seem to have encountered the principal ones. The only real dangers are over here." "He was a very faithful associate. Remember." Dominey declared." Dominey said thoughtfully." Dominey replied. Let speech remain with him alone." Seaman promised. So are you. Be particularly careful not to drop him a hint of your knowledge of what is coming. However. earlier in our conversation. "I have not even made his acquaintance. so far as I am concerned. "and do not in your zeal forget. "A little doctor named Schmidt has spent many marks of the Government money in frantic cables. absolutely content." Seaman enjoined. "Whom do you mean?" "The Duke of Worcester. "You shall understand everything when the time comes for you to take a hand. and incidentally I have discovered the one far-seeing person in England who knows what is in store for us. It seems that the natives got their stories rather mixed up concerning your namesake." "I have at any rate been accepted. You will find him absolutely satisfied with the situation. that your utility to our great cause will depend largely upon your being able to establish and maintain your position as an English gentleman.

" his companion declared. and yet we are incapable of the slightest self-sacrifice in order to preserve it. "There are others associated with him." Seaman rejoined irritably. That reminds me. One would have imagined that our philosophers. when I interrupt I advertise my own little hobby. I shall make one of my usual interruptions. as Sir Everard Dominey." was the somewhat stiff reply. "In other words." Dominey remarked." Seaman frowned angrily." he complained. "who are not so insignificant. "His Grace has a meeting to-night at the Holborn Town Hall. "a brainless man obsessed with one idea. "All that is necessary is not enough. our historians. with a little bow. why don't you leave him alone?" Dominey enquired." "The Englishman of a certain order. "even though he be degenerate." "These—we English are strange people. "We advertise and boast about our colossal wealth." he added. "Apropos of what you were saying. you will never make an Englishman—I beg your pardon. But to leave generalities. Besides." "My compliments to your pronouns. in the country as well as in town. "you remembered that you were a gentleman and not that you were a German. You are sure that you perfectly understand your position there as regards your—er—domestic affairs?" "I understand all that is necessary. one of your countrymen—realise anything unpleasant. "I thought that you had wormed the whole story out of that drunken Englishman?" "He told me most of it. "He reminds me of the geese who saved the Capitol. generally connected
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." was the placid reply. of what was coming. has a certain obstinacy." Dominey pronounced." "If he has so small a following. glancing around the room after a brief but thoughtful pause. "Great things wait upon your complete acceptance. would warn us in irresistible terms." he said. when do you think of going to Norfolk?" "Within the next few days. taking a small memorandum book from his waistcoat pocket and glancing it through. There were just one or two points which lay beyond the limits where questioning was possible. It is queer how often these fanatics discover the truth. by unanswerable scientific deduction. "I shall breathe more freely when you are securely established there." Dominey replied. He prefers to keep his head comfortably down in the sand." Seaman murmured.The little man's face relaxed.

Heart and soul you stand pledged to great things. their personal characteristics seemed to have become intensified." Dominey objected. I tore the story of my own exile from my breast and laid it bare before him. "It is not your duty to nurse fine personal feelings. "It will amuse you. enough of this subject. We grow too serious. at any rate. it is not only your task with regard to Terniloff which makes your recognition as Everard Dominey so important to us. We talked together on that last night until morning. and yet there is not a single man of your order who should not be prepared to lie or cheat for his country's sake. His eyes had narrowed but they were as bright as steel. I know that you understand. "Then come with me to Holborn." There was a brief pause. I am not at all sure. How shall you spend your evening until eleven o'clock? Remember you did not leave England an anchorite. Seaman. I cannot at this moment give you any idea what you may not mean to us after the trouble has come.
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. With it. which nothing can break. Yet I knew all the time." Dominey replied in spiritless fashion. During the last few minutes a certain tension had crept in between the two men. that the hardest part of my task over here will not be this necessity for self-imposed amusements. "You should have dragged it from his throat. as I know now." His companion struck the table gently but impatiently with his clenched fist. if you are able to play your part still in this country as Everard Dominey of Dominey Hall. What do you say?" "I will come. Sir Everard. we drank wine and brandy. that he kept something back." the little man suggested. His teeth were more prominent than usual. We will part at the door. "It will be better than a music hall." he insisted. I know well enough that the sense of personal honour amongst the Prussian aristocracy is the finest in the world. Why not try a music hall?" "My mind is too full of other things. and you shall sit at the back of the hall. Dominey was more than ever the aristocrat.with one particular thing.—Come. Once more. You must have your amusements. You shall hear the haunting eloquence of your cousinin-law. Seaman the plebian schemer. You must fall into line with your fellows. unabashed and desperately in earnest. He leaned presently a little way across the table. It is the things which are to come later. out of sight. You shall hear him trying to warn the men and women of England of the danger awaiting them from the great and rapacious German nation.

and there was a temporary diversion from any interest in the proceedings on the part of the younger portion
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. with civic dignitaries on either side of him. a distinguished soldier. a Member of Parliament. You carry your life in your hands. preferred playing or watching football or cricket on Saturday afternoons to realising their duty. but remember the sin was not wholly yours. There's nothing which narrows a man more than morbidness. whose millions of young men. a few genuinely interested."Man. although they were decidedly in the minority. over-enthusiastic." At the entrance to the town hall. the two men. and there is an atonement which in measured fashion you may commence whenever you please. Against whom were these preparations? Without an earthly doubt against Germany's greatest rival. respectable-looking tradesmen who had come because it seemed to be the respectable thing to do. I have said enough about that. Dominey found a retired seat under a balcony. and Captain Bartram. parted. where he was unlikely to be recognised from the platform. on the other hand. The conclusion of an ill-pointed but earnest speech was punctuated by the furtive entrance into the hall of a small boy selling evening newspapers. was nervous and more than a little bitter. a few sturdy. The meeting was by no means overcrowded. a good many young couples who seemed to have come in for shelter from the inclement night. at Seaman's instigation. Seaman. He spoke of enormous military preparations in Germany and a general air of tense expectation. who sprang at once into the middle of his subject. You have a past which may sometimes bring the ghosts around you. I was a philosopher before I became a professor of propaganda. Don't nourish past griefs. and in a few hackneyed but earnest sentences introduced his young friend Captain Bartram. Greatness and gaiety go hand in hand. Now we will take a taxicab to Holborn and I will show you something really humorous. a halfdozen or so of nondescript residents from the neighbourhood. over-anything. a sprinkling of enthusiasts. Cast the memory of them away. and here and there. The meeting was on the point of commencement as Dominey settled down in his corner. That is something gained. There! You see. even in this hour of danger. He explained that he had resigned his commission and was therefore free to speak his mind. There were rows of empty benches. On the platform was the Duke. took up a more prominent position at the end of one of the front rows of benches. The latter. making their way inside by different doors. "You are like the rest of us. you are young!" he exclaimed. Good! You smile. First of all the Duke rose. at any rate.

that he had no alternative but to assent. guv'nor?" The orator swept upon the interrupter in his famous platform manner. Seaman. looked at him severely. appealed even to the women to develop their sense of responsibility. He pointed to the collapse of every great nation throughout history who had neglected the arts of self-defence. a league for promoting more friendly relations between the business men of Germany and England. he declared. coughed apologetically. fired off a few husky sentences only. After a word or two of compliment to the chairman. the sacred soil of their country.—The vote of thanks to the chairman was on the point of being proposed when Mr. could be trusted at all times to do its duty. and secured upon the whole a respectful attention. who seemed just at that moment to have waked up. (Some laughter. and at that point was interrupted by a drowsy member of the audience with stentorian lungs. He was a German citizen—he was indeed one of that bloodthirsty race. Seaman looked around upon the audience was so good-natured and attractive.of the audience. "What about the Navy. who was suffering from a cold. to the tune of rounds of applause. The Member of Parliament then descended upon them in a whirlwind of oratory and in his best House of Commons style. but it could not fight on sea and land.) He was also. their homes. with the exception of the distinguished soldier. he made his confession. whilst they satisfied themselves as to the result of various Cup Ties. standing up in his place. who had had some experience with Mr. and it was his excuse for standing there. bowed to the Duke. and sat down amidst a little burst of quite enthusiastic applause. pleaded for a greater spirit of earnestness and citizenship amongst the men of the country. the founder and secretary of a league. much more in earnest than any of them. The proceedings were wound up by the Duke. Business often took him to Germany. He appealed to the youth of the nation to prepare themselves to guard their womenkind. Some of the remarks which he had heard that evening had pained him deeply. and as a German he would be doing less than his duty if he did not stand up there and tell them that the
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. and took possession of the meeting. Would the young man who had just interrupted do his. Seaman scrambled up the steps on to the platform. Seaman before. The Duke. He brought in a few historical allusions. and enroll his name for drill and national service that evening?—and so on. who was obviously. but the smile with which Mr. doubtless well known to them. appealed to the chairman for permission to say a few words. The Navy. He spoke of black clouds and of the cold breeze that went before the coming thunderstorm. The distinguished soldier.

The Duke went home full of wrath. prefaced by an indignant protest against the intrusion of a German propagandist into an English patriotic meeting. He could not for a moment doubt that these gentlemen upon the platform were patriots. He would simply tell them this great truth. When the meeting broke up. begging for a deeper sympathy. "Confess that I have kept my word. in its small way. it was doubtful whether a single adherent had been gained to the cause of National Service. as it seemed to him. "I promised you entertainment.) And as to those military preparations of which they had heard so much (with a severe glance at Captain Bartram). were one of the greatest difficulties in his way. if they abandoned their present prejudiced and harmful campaign and became patrons of his Society. (Applause from the audience. was standing with hand outstretched to her relatives across the North Sea. did nothing to undo the effect produced by this undesired stranger." Dominey smiled enigmatically. "To-night. both to themselves and their country." he observed. She is like a child being overfed with jam. begging for a larger understanding." "The miracle of it extends further. England is being slowly choked and strangled with too much liberty.—In his humble way he was striving for the betterment of relations between the dearly beloved country of his birth and the equally beloved country of his adoption. let them glance for one moment at the frontiers of Germany. "You certainly succeeded in making fools of a number of respectable and well-meaning men. Such meetings as these.average German loved the Englishman like a brother. Seaman's little bow to the chairman was good-humoured. is a supreme example of the transcendental follies of democracy. that Germany even at that moment. Imagine. for the propagation of unfair and unjustified suspicions. The Duke's few words. and at Russia's instigation. He would not waste their time telling them of the political difficulties which Germany had had to face during the last generation. murmurs of dissent from the platform." Seaman agreed. They would prove it more profitably. instituted. If ever they were used it would be against Russia. at the corner of the street. let them realise that eastwards Germany was being continually pressed by an ancient and historic foe of enormous strength. that the object of his life was to come into greater kinship with him. tolerant. a little wistful. and Seaman chuckled with genuine merriment as he stepped into the taxi which Dominey had secured.—the foe for whom Germany was obliged to make these great military preparations was Russia. in our dear
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.

"Listen. He laid his hand on Seaman's arm. There are counsellors there. and no one except we who are behind will realise the ass's head. "So you are waking up from the lethargy of Africa. his usually impassive features seemed to have become more mobile and strained. All that one learns is the result. The trouble for this country is that they would be all expressed publicly and in the press. you have other things to think about. The so-called liberty of the Englishman is like the cuckoo in his political nest. The Kaiser is a vain. undisturbed. but no one knows their varying views. "surely there is safety in a multitude of counsellors?" "There would be always a multitude of counsellors. to-morrow. so shall I answer. "we are in London. His forehead was puckered. "in Germany as in England. Do you really believe that the Kaiser is the man for the task which is coming?" Seaman's narrow eyes glittered.—And now. English propaganda in deadly opposition to German interests. All Europe will bow down before this self-imagined Caesar. the greatest egotist who ever lived. He looked at his companion in satisfaction. we will speak of these matters again. the real destinies of the country are decided in secret. Countries must be governed. secure against any possible eavesdropping." Dominey queried. a ceaseless craving for the limelight. alone in a taxicab. bombastic dreamer. I mean this: he is a splendid medium for the expression of the brain power of his counsellors." "Yet in any great crisis of a nation's history. an Englishman being allowed to mount the platform and spout. His eyes were bright. Their words will pass through his personality. his eternal smile gone. As you ask me. if you like. my friend!" he exclaimed. What is more. Tonight. You preach the advantage of our Kaiser-led country. You are going into the great
47
.country. The time of war will prove all that. There is no one else in this world whom I have ever met so well fitted to lead our great nation on to the destiny she deserves. They cannot govern themselves. and the Government be split up into factions. "You are beginning to think. spoken through the lips of the Kaiser. In Germany." Dominey was showing signs of a rare interest in his companion's conversation. He will see himself the knight in shining armour. But he has also the genius for government. and he will believe them his. He was the man of intellect. each view would have its adherents. earnest and wise counsellors. too. my friend. they will sound like his." Seaman replied. with a diseased personality. spoken once and for all." he said.

At eleven o'clock the Prince Von Terniloff will expect you."
48
. You have an hour to change and prepare.places where I never penetrate.

"You have an appointment at half-past eleven." she said. long lost in Africa." the Prince murmured sympathetically. The school of diplomacy in
49
. To me! I think that those were the most terrible seconds of my life." The Ambassador made no remark." the Prince rejoined warmly. I shall never suffer so much again." "You know. I have never suffered more. "I wish you to keep it. The Ambassador. It seemed to be his wish to hear first all that his companion had to say." "He is to work under your auspices?" "By no means. Let us sit down for a moment. dear Stephanie. "I am not favourably inclined towards this network of espionage. "I have been hoping for a word with you all the evening. and he denied himself." "It was most unfortunate." he answered. I learnt something of his true position later. then?" "I lunched to-day at the Carleton grill room. was bidding farewell to his wife's cousin." she went on. "It is very early." He led her towards a settee but she shook her head. "This evening." "And I with you. that he was passing under the name which he gave me. "Your Excellency. You know of this?" "I know that to-night I am receiving a visit from Sir Everard Dominey. Prince Terniloff. the Princess Eiderstrom.—Sir Everard Dominey. After a moment's pause she continued: "I spoke to him. the last of his guests. He came to me to explain that Leopold was engaged in this country on secret service." she said.Chapter
7
There had been a dinner party and a very small reception afterwards at the great Embassy in Carlton House Terrace. In the reception-room I came face to face with Leopold Von Ragastein. "I received a visit from a man whom I took at first to be an insignificant member of the German bourgeoisie. an English baronet. She drew him on one side for a moment.

I shall take other means." "He is waiting for me now in my study. for the more complete preservation of his incognito. I am a very human woman. but I do not surrender. You will help?" "An acquaintance between you and Sir Everard Dominey. I am not a German. "My eyes are hot." "One realises that. however.which I have been brought up tries to work without such ignoble means. He remembered that although she had carried herself throughout the evening with all the dignity which was second nature to her. Arrange that he drives me home. Oh! believe me. I will compromise with necessity." she continued. My car waits. Those terms I will discuss with Leopold. "I must speak to Leopold. Only one thing can quiet me. He turned and looked into her face. Underneath her beautiful eyes were dark lines. I must decide with him what I will do." she begged." he remarked kindly. If you refuse." "For myself. I am Hungarian. "You will do me the service of conveying to him a message from me. "Leopold is coming." "Look at me. I listened to all that he had to say." the Ambassador asserted. "Since these few minutes at midday I have lived in a dream. I reserved my decision. To-night I can see him without observation. and though I am willing to study your interests. he had overheard more than one sympathetic comment upon her appearance." he admitted. "I am not of Berlin. dear friend. and there is nothing in the world to be gained by treating me as though I were of wood or stone. to pay his respects to you. "I do not even know what Von Ragastein's mission over here is. I have now considered the matter. and inside I am on fire. there was something pitiful about the curve of her mouth. I must speak to him. association between you and him is undesirable—" She laid her fingers upon his arm. be kind to me!" she went on." the Ambassador reflected. I make terms. I
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. but if in Berlin they decide that." she said. Ah. I will be content with the acquaintance of Sir Everard Dominey. Freda has asked me to stay and talk to her for an hour. with a sudden change of voice. under present conditions. to-night. I am not willing to place them before my own life. I am not even an Austrian. "Stop!" she ordered." she continued. but that I will have. "I can see that you are suffering. "is certainly a perfectly natural thing. "This man Seaman pointed out to me the unwisdom of any association between myself and Leopold.

where Dominey was waiting for him. His host pointed to the sideboard. lighting a cigar. I shall bring the young man to Freda's room and present him." the Prince declared." She suddenly stooped and kissed his hand. I have no doubt that you are here with the same object as I am. that much of the past. "After our interview. "Stephanie. I will respect your new identity. Make yourself at home in that chair there. Do you remember our previous meeting. "I am glad to see you. "there are cigars and cigarettes at your elbow. I have not yet answered your entreaty. Freda is waiting for me. your Excellency. However. of course." was the earnest reply." he promised. "One was tempted to believe oneself at an English country party. "I know quite well that you form part of a network of espionage in this country which I consider wholly unnecessary. You know." "You believe. "For five minutes I desire to talk to your real self. "Now I will keep you no longer. I will not even promise that I will not call out before him in the streets that he is a liar." the former said." the Ambassador went on." "His Majesty knew how to keep Court in those days. holding out his hand." "You consent?" "I consent. I believe that in Berlin the character of some of the leading statesmen here has been
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.will make no promises. He can offer you his escort. I will call him Leopold Von Ragastein—" "Hush!" he begged her." The Ambassador strolled thoughtfully away into his own den at the back of the house. "I do not know what the exact nature of your work over here is to be. Africa has rally changed you very little." "We will have no reserves with one another. in Saxony?" "I remember it perfectly. you are nervous. "Come. After that." he continued. for the rest of your time in England. sir. the object which the Kaiser has declared to me with his own lips is nearest to his heart—to cement the bonds of friendship between Germany and England. that I entirely disapprove of your present position here?" "I gathered as much. An immense relief was in her face. but I am glad to have an opportunity of putting before you my convictions. your Excellency. that that is possible?" "I am convinced of it. whisky and soda on the sideboard." Dominey bowed in silence. that his life is a lie. That is simply a question of method. You will be there.

"I see now why they sent you to me. Germany must become. your Excellency.misunderstood and misrepresented." he murmured. "what about the matter from our point of view? There are a great many in our country. I understand that she is content to subscribe to the present situation. who look forward to a war with England as inevitable. "Its nature." Dominey rose to his feet. "is not as yet divulged. prepared to take his leave." "You are out of date. "The Princess Eiderstrom is upstairs." The latter did not attempt to conceal his perturbation. There is room in the world for Great Britain and for Germany." "In this house?" "Waiting for a word with you. I find on all sides of me an earnest and sincere desire for peace. it is to become closely connected with my own. It is eastward that we must look for any great extension of territory. "There is just one word more.
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. however. on a somewhat more private matter. She must climb there. My mandate is one of peace." the Prince replied. the more sanguine I am as to the success of my efforts." Dominey was listening intently. whom you and I know of." Terniloff said in an altered tone. "But. with her foot upon the neck of the British lion. but if. "These matters will be solved for us. and the more I see of English statesmen and the more I understand the British outlook. we all believe. as one of our friends once said. then I am very sure you will presently find that its text also is Peace." "These things have been decided?" "Absolutely! They form the soul of my mission here. She makes one condition. as I have been given to understand." he ventured." "And that?" "She insists upon it that I present Sir Everard Dominey. Our friend Seaman has been with her this evening. Those days have passed." the Ambassador declared earnestly. with the air of one who hears unexpected things. I have convinced myself that there is not a single statesman in this country who is desirous of war with Germany. This is why all this outside espionage with which Seaman is so largely concerned seems to me at times unwise and unnecessary." "And my own mission?" Dominey enquired. The disintegration of Russia in the near future is a certainty. the greatest empire in the world.

My wife also looks forward to the pleasure of renewing her acquaintance with you. "It is a matter of regret to me that I can claim to be no more than a simple Norfolk baronet. but in considering the present position you will."
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. The Princess Terniloff was a woman of world culture." he admitted. Wonderful diamonds flashed around her neck. taking his hand. I am sure. who is interested in you." Stephanie. She received the visitor whom her husband brought to her in a very charming little room furnished after the style of the simplest French period. Her gown was of unrelieved black. She is also very powerfully placed here. who was seated upon the couch from which her cousin had just risen. and she wore also a tiara fashioned after the Hungarian style." Dominey decided. remember the greater interests. because of your likeness to a very dear friend of hers." she said." Dominey replied." His visitor was silent for a moment. the Princess is a woman of very strong will. "Both Seaman and I have endeavoured to reason with her." he protested. "It was hard for me to believe that you were not indeed the person for whom I mistook you. Stephanie. and still an extremely attractive woman. I want to present you to my cousin. You will understand. "You say that the Princess is waiting here?" "She is with my wife and asks for your escort home. and it is the urgent desire of the Court at Berlin to placate in every way the Hungarian nobility. as you are doubtless aware. who made her a very low and formal bow. I cannot ignore the fact of your unfortunate relations with the late Prince. Sir Everard Dominey. "and I hope that we shall often see you here. held out her hand to Dominey. "You have forgiven me for my insistence this morning?" she asked. a little low on her forehead. and she did her best to relieve the strain of what she understood must be a somewhat trying moment." "Other people have spoken to me of the likeness." "I shall accept your Excellency's guidance in the matter. but. this is Sir Everard Dominey—the Princess Eiderstrom." The Ambassador sighed."I need scarcely point out to you. I must tell you frankly. "We are delighted to welcome you to London. sir. "that any association between the Princess and myself is likely to largely increase the difficulties of my position here. "I quite appreciate that. Her manner and tone still indicated some measure of rebellion against the situation. of course. that I speak from a political point of view only. an artist.

even to himself. His voice sounded. My husband would be so interested. leaned gracefully over and kissed her hostess on both cheeks." "Oh." "Your German is wonderfully pure for an untravelled man." she murmured. I hope to spend a portion of my time here." Stephanie rose slowly to her feet." she said softly. made his farewells." Dominey replied. You know what I look for from you. but you have a soul. "and I have experienced more than my share of solitude during the last few years. "very obstinate and very devoted to your marvellous country." he muttered." "I shall be very happy. He. Sir Everard?" the Princess Terniloff enquired. I must remain to you as to the world. "Afterwards. Princess. my car can take you on wherever you choose to go. The car was in darkness. "until the hour strikes. Then she turned to Dominey." "You must dine with us one night. the soft brilliance of her eyes as she leaned towards him. "I think. "that I could not have borne another moment of this juggling with words. Leopold. ashamed and miserable. what I must find from you or go down into hell. and he took his place in the car by Stephanie's side. She touched the electric switch as they glided off." "You are very kind. harsh and strident. Leopold—we are alone!" He caught the flash of her jewels. My name is not Leopold. who raised it to his lips." the Princess insisted. "and tell us about Africa. I know that you are very obstinate. There is one way and one way only of carrying through my appointed task. alone or in a crowd—Everard Dominey. "Norfolk is very near London these days. A servant in the hall handed him his hat and coat. and submitted her hand to the Prince. I am Everard Dominey.
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. "Listen." Dominey assented. you know that there are human duties as great as any your country ever imposed upon you." "You are not going to bury yourself in Norfolk."Without any previous experience of European Courts?" "Without any at all. "You mistake." "Languages were the sole accomplishment I brought away from my misspent school days." She gave a little hysterical sob. "Will you be so kind as to see me home?" she asked. too." He felt his throat suddenly dry.

I cannot take advantage of your feelings for Leopold Von Ragastein. You shall come and see me as seldom as you wish. I am full of impulses and passion. I will be careful. the man who slew my husband and left me?" "I was exiled." He sat quite still. "Let me be sure. Her eyes closed. which was immediately opened. He is not here." he reminded her. "Whatever may come afterwards. and he felt the hot grip of her hand. if I may. But don't treat me like this. if it be only for a moment. Give me your hand. as you know. but I have restraint. "Let me look at you. drawing it toward her until the fingers of her other hand." She gave him her hand with a sad smile." He opened the fingers which he had kept clenched together."Wait. I am working out my expiation. "You know that." She flung his hands away. "Leopold. What we are to one another when we are alone. although her hands were tearing at his. I swear it. too. Perhaps some day he will come back to you and be all that you wish.
55
." she continued presently." she begged. for whose sake I offered up my reputation as a sacrifice. it will give me great pleasure. Tell me you have come back. She turned to Dominey. "I will answer you in a moment. Are you the man I have waited for all these years? Are you the man to whom I have given my lips. He felt her eyes burning into his. I will receive you only as often as you say." she cried. this time with something more like furious curiosity. So she sat for several moments. holding his passionately. I will never even look at you as though my heart ached for your notice. You have reason. "I understand. Then the car drove in through some iron gates and stopped in front of her door. when we are in the presence of other people. his own voice shaking with emotion." she pleaded. her lips and eyes beseeching him. Is this just some ghastly change." he answered formally. no soul in this world need know. Throw off this hideous mask. on my return from Norfolk. He is in Africa. "for a short time?" "If you will permit me to pay you a visit. So far as other things are concerned. "I will call. or are you an imposter? My heart is growing chilled. A footman hurried out. You are afraid that I shall betray our love. "until the time arrives I am Everard Dominey. "You will not enter. fell upon it. I am exiled now." he pronounced inexorably." She leaned back in her seat with an air of exhaustion.

" Seaman replied. "but I still do not see any peculiar difficulty in the situation. He greeted Dominey enthusiastically. She has made it very plain to-night that she is going to be content with nothing of the sort." she invited." Seaman lit one of his inevitable cigars and threw one of his short. "You surprise me. He gazed for a moment with an air of satisfaction at his small foot. glancing at the clock and hastily ordering a whisky and soda. Dominey drove back to the Carlton." Dominey promised a little grimly. in his neat dinner clothes and with his cherubic air of inviting attention from prospective new acquaintances. I might as well have opened up my little house in Forest Hill. Even race has never taught her self-restraint." he added. My tongue is parched with inaction." "What takes place between you in private." "What is that?" "A woman—the Princess Eiderstrom. amongst whom Seaman was conspicuous." "Then you must be closing your eyes to it willfully. and there has been no one to talk to. This is not the last word between us." he confessed. As an English nobleman you have a perfect right to enjoy the friendship of the Princess Eiderstrom. escorted through the great front door of one of London's few palaces by an attractive major-domo and footman in the livery of her House." Dominey retorted. You don't seriously suppose that after all these years. "I have considered the matter. neatly encased in court shoes." he exclaimed. "Come. I like to talk." She disappeared in some state. lowering his tone. Stephanie Eiderstrom is Hungarian born and bred. where in the lounge he found the band playing. crowds still sitting around." Seaman began—
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." "And I thought you were a man of sentiment!" Dominey scoffed. dropping her voice." "I believe I appreciate both. "I do not admit defeat. "I will begin by telling you this. "I thought you understood a little of human nature. "and remember. Seaman."Let my people take you wherever you want to go." "I'll talk to you if you like. "or else you are wholly ignorant of the Princess's temperament and disposition. "I have discovered the greatest danger I shall have to face during my enterprise. fat legs over the other. after all she has suffered—and she has suffered—she is going to be content with an emasculated form of friendship? I talk to you without reserve. "I am weary of solitude! I have seen scarcely a face that I recognise. I cannot see any great difficulty." she added.

a certain helplessness. The two men rose a little unwillingly. I would sooner have a dozen of your Princesses to deal with than the original of that picture. almost a child. You know what you have to deal with down at Dominey. and the great eyes seemed filled with a queer. The two men looked at it side by side beneath one of the electric standards which had been left burning. "To my mind. She considers that every moment of the rest of my life should be devoted to her. They strolled into the darkened hall of the hotel together. "I am prepared. I think she rather dislikes Germany and Germans. an appeal for love and protection to some stronger being. like a great many other Hungarians." "Perhaps it is as well. Her only concern is the personal question between us. with a good deal of the wild animal in her still. your greatest difficulty will be encountered to-morrow. drew from the breast pocket of his coat a leather case. Seaman turned away with a little grunt. "She is not a German." he asked. and from that a worn picture." "But surely. The face was the face of a girl. Something must be done to pacify her. Seaman still hesitated. appealing light. "that when we talked over your plans at Cape Town. "Do you remember. Dominey felt singularly indisposed for sleep." he said."
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." Dominey's face was very set and grave." "May I have one more look at it?" Dominey. and commented: "Permitting myself to reassume for a moment or two the ordinary sentiments of an ordinary human being. There was something of the same suggestion to be found in the lips." Seaman promised. a passionate. but anxious at the same time to get rid of his companion. a distinctly primitive woman. "that you have arranged to go down to-morrow to Dominey. "she must understand that your country has claimed you for a great work?" Dominey shook his head. Plots or political necessities are not likely to count a snap of the fingers with her. "On the contrary." Seaman remarked. "I will deal with the matter for you as well as I can. you showed me a picture of—of Lady Dominey?" "I remember. I will think out a scheme." he pointed out." Seaman protested." The lights were being put out. with fingers that trembled a little."Rubbish!" his companion interrupted. "The Princess is an impulsive.

and. We've taken it as far as possible from the outlying woods. "Damned fine house. was now clearly visible—the time-worn. Mangan continued to make amiable conversation." he replied. A storm had come up during the last few minutes. "The idea is. grim and weather-stained back which confronted the marshes and the sea. Mr. somehow or other. Mangan observed. and the stone-supported." "Does he still select the park and the terrace outside the house for his midnight perambulations?" Dominey enquired. as though he felt the cold.Chapter
8
"Your ancestral home. with its great double front. I believe. "and for a very excellent reason. "that the ghost makes his way out from the wood and sits on the terrace underneath Lady Dominey's window. The house. That is the sole reason why I haven't ventured to recommend long ago that you should get rid of Mrs." "The superstition remains then?" "The villagers are absolutely rabid about it. Elizabethan. Not one of the woodmen would ever go near the place. The lawyer hesitated. then?"
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. but I can assure you that every servant and caretaker we've had there has given notice within a month. "Not a stump. "and I don't think you'll miss the timber much." "She is still in attendance upon Lady Dominey. as the car turned the first bend in the grass-grown avenue and Dominey Hall came into sight. of course." he said. red brick outline that faced the park southwards. "We have kept the old place weathertight. and a score or more who will swear by all that is holy that they have heard his call at night. too!" His companion made no reply. Unthank." Mr." "Any from the Black Wood?" Dominey asked. All bunkum. without turning his head. he had dragged his hat over his eyes and turned his coat collar up to his ears." he said. There are at least a dozen who declare that they have seen the ghost of Roger Unthank.

who has really been a godsend so far as the game is concerned. resting his hand upon the old man's shoulder. and Middleton. with breeches and leggings of corduroy. stood an elderly man with white side whiskers and skin as brown as a piece of parchment. "Beautiful place. to form a fund for repairs. the gardener. the head keeper. "Middleton. to my knowledge. "here's your master come back again. and I never saw such buttercups in my life. "suggesting the sale of one or two of the pictures.
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. I see. "I had forgotten. Loveybond. but thank goodness you didn't reply! We'll have some workpeople here as soon as you've decided what you'd like done." he went on." he reminded his companion. In the background. Mangan was momentarily surprised. for twenty years." The car drew up at that moment in front of the great porch. No one at all indoors. by the by."Simply because we couldn't get any one else to stay there. in the springtime. Half a dozen maidservants." he said. if you've no objection. There was nothing in the shape of a reception. Mr. and the bluebells in the home woods were wonderful. The cows here were almost up to their knees in pasture. They had even to ring the bell before the door was opened by a manservant sent down a few days previously from town. Dominey nodded." the lawyer explained.—You see. I was down last May for a night. as they turned in through some iron gates and entered the last sweep in front of the house. Mangan took charge of the proceedings." he added." "Some of the old wall is down. Between ourselves. There's Loveybond. Mr." The old man grasped the hand which Dominey stretched out with both of his. were visible in the background. "That wall has been down. The whole of the little painting colony down at Flankney turned themselves loose upon the place last spring. I think it's time a change was made. with an air of satisfaction. whom you would scarcely remember. "and her ladyship positively declines to leave the Hall." Dominey remarked with a frown. new importations. and a second man was taking possession of the luggage. and you. I'm afraid. we've left all the trees in the park. as he gazed towards the enclosed kitchen garden. "you won't find many familiar faces to welcome you. leaning heavily upon a long ash stick. Sir Everard was very pleased to hear that you were still here. We'll have a chat after dinner. Unthank." he muttered." the lawyer continued. wearing a brown velveteen coat. except—Mrs. this. "We wrote you.

pushing his way once more into the foreground. I'll take the liberty of saying that I should never have recognised you. "and yet the words of welcome stick in my throat." the woman retorted. back to your hiding. Middleton. stood suddenly before them all. with grey hair brushed back from her head and not even a white collar at her neck.
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. Mangan went on." he added. "That's a joy—leastways to us. "I've come to speak to him. "I wrote last night to stop you." Mr. and that's sure. Her face was long and narrow. Middleton. her eyes filled with anger. standing in front of him as though to bar his progress. dressed in severe black." "My good woman!" Mangan gasped. very stiff and uncomfortable in his Sunday clothes. Loveybond." "This is Parkins. but who had evidently issued from one of the recesses of the hall. but Dominey waved him aside. Them furrin parts has filled you out and hardened you. "You have not changed much. "There's no place in this house for you. turning to the man who had fallen a little into the background." the latter replied a little awkwardly." Dominey drew himself more than ever erect—a commanding figure in the little group. "I can't say the same for you. were suddenly dumb. "What is the trouble about my coming back?" "That's no trouble. "the butler whom I engaged in London. you who murdered my son and made a madwoman of your wife?" The lawyer would have answered her." she said. The little group of maidservants." the old man replied. "I thankee." he said. her features curiously large. "This is really too much!" "I've not come to bandy words with lawyers. There's no place here for a murderer. sir."I'm right glad you're back again. Everard Dominey. Get back where you came from. looking at him with curious intentness. And—" There was a queer and instantaneous silence." he said reassuringly. She was as thin as a lath. Squire. Can you face me. A woman whose advent had been unperceived." Dominey said pleasantly. Squire. Squire. "You will feel better about it when we have had a day or two with the pheasants. She spoke very slowly. who had been exchanging whispered confidences as to their new master's appearance. Everard Dominey. with a motion of his hand towards his forehead. but with some trace in her intonation of a north-country dialect. All eyes were turned in one direction. It's what it may turn out to be for you which makes one hold back like." "Sorry you feel like that about it. but you've shown indecent haste in coming. sir.

Mangan took his patron's arm and led him across the hall. Her eyes were fixed upon Dominey curiously." he replied coldly. you will treat your master with the respect to which his position here entitles him. to enter or leave when I choose. It must be understood distinctly that if she is suffered to remain.—You will feel quite at home here in the library. Every one began bustling about the luggage and talking at once. "If you will allow me to give you a word of advice. and understand that this house is mine. I thought that the woman would probably be sullen." She moved a foot or two to where the light was better. woman." the lawyer admitted." she said. announce my coming. Unthank. horribly. I shall pay her a visit myself after dinner. "Respect! What respect have I for the murderer of my son? Respect! Well." "She is still. "return to your duties at once. "Be so good as to return to your mistress at once. she adopts an entirely different attitude. "Nevertheless we must see Doctor Harrison in the morning. Mr. but I had no idea that she would dare to attempt such an outrageous proceeding." he said sternly. I presume. Let me look at you. if he stays here against my bidding." The woman laughed."Mrs. "I fear so. and say that I wait only for her permission before presenting myself in her apartments. "but there's one part of it at least in which you won't dare to show yourself." "You forget yourself. the less assured she became. Mangan was glad of an opportunity of asserting himself. "The fact is scarcely important. I never heard anything so preposterous in all my life." he said angrily. "I am most distressed that this should have occurred. the only companion whom Lady Dominey will tolerate?" Dominey enquired with a sigh." she said threateningly. Sir
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. "Those are brave words. "My dear Sir Everard. Sir Everard Dominey. The longer she looked. amazed at the firmness of his words. Mrs." she muttered. "You've come back a harder man." Once more the woman blazed up. Unthank. "There are things in your face I miss. "The house may be yours." he said anxiously." She turned around and disappeared. Mr. Very slowly a frown developed upon her forehead. perhaps her ladyship will show him what respect means." She was speechless for a moment. unpleasantly.

" Mr. fell in love with Miss Felbrigg and carried her off. I am convinced that at no time did Lady Dominey give the young man the slightest encouragement. Remember that I spent the first portion of my exile in Africa in a very determined effort to blot out the memory of everything that had happened to me earlier in life." "Roger Unthank was a lunatic. Cocktails. throwing open the door of a very fine apartment on the seaward side of the house. I see that Parkins has set out the sherry. but we haven't sold a single bottle of wine out of the cellars. Unthank as housekeeper. "At the time of your unfortunate visit to the Hall Miss Felbrigg was living practically alone at the Vicarage after her uncle's sudden death there." was the emphatic reply. I'm afraid." Mr. "So far. They believe that there was a fight and that you had the best of it." "Forgive me. He was beginning to understand his client. when you came down. Mangan declared." Mangan acquiesced. "if I seem to ask unnecessary questions. "I am perfectly certain. "Nevertheless." Dominey continued. wielding the decanter again in view of his client's more reasonable manner. He seemed during the last few minutes to have been wrapped in a brown study. with Mrs." Dominey insisted. "Grand view from these windows. Sir Everard. Mangan went on. "is it the popular belief down here that I killed Roger Unthank?" The lawyer set down the decanter and coughed. Sir Everard. The
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." "The Eugene Aram type of village schoolmaster gradually drifting into positive insanity. "Mangan. "His behaviour from the first was the behaviour of a madman." Dominey accepted the glass of sherry which the lawyer had poured out but made no movement towards drinking it. "that there isn't a soul in these parts who isn't convinced of it. every one is agreed. every one felt that there would be trouble. "Not a soul. You'll be grateful to me when I tell you one thing. Mangan adapted himself to the situation." he confessed.Everard. We've been hard pressed more than once. are an institution you will have to inaugurate down here. Mr. Roger Unthank's infatuation for her was patent to the whole neighbourhood and a source of great annoyance in Miss Felbrigg. "A plain answer." "Has any one ever believed the contrary?" Dominey demanded." Dominey pronounced deliberately. especially since we've had a few of the trees cut down." he asked a little abruptly. So that is the popular belief?" "The popular belief seems to match fairly well with the facts.

almost the first person I saw was Lady Dominey." "The sequel was perfectly simple. As it is. you were perfectly safe from arrest. "The place had a bad name already. and half unconscious. Mangan—not the fear of being arrested for having caused the death of Roger Unthank. as it happened."
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. "that my wife from that moment developed a homicidal mania against me—I. The tragical side of these reminiscences seemed. to have passed. "I suppose." Mangan murmured sympathetically.mystery began when he came back from his holidays and heard the news. who had fought in the most absolute self-defence." he promised. so far as he was concerned. I was covered with blood. I suppose I had to some extent the best of it. That was what drove me out of the country. "As a matter of fact. "Most tragic!" "The cruel part of it was." Dominey abandoned his post at the window and raised his glass of sherry to his lips." the lawyer concluded. It was the other thing that broke me up. as you know." Dominey went on. and he attacked me like a madman." Dominey glanced at his watch and led the way from the room. I don't suppose there's a villager here would cross the park in that direction after dark. I'd have stood my trial for that at any moment." Dominey observed. "We met at the north end of the Black Wood one evening. The shock was too much for her—she fainted—and—" "And has never been quite herself since. but when I got back to the Hall my arm was broken." he remarked. "After dinner. standing before the window." the lawyer acquiesced. his hands clasped behind his back." "Quite so. "I'll tell you a few West African superstitions which will make our local one seem anemic." "Without a doubt." "If it had—" "You must have been charged with either murder or manslaughter. By some cruel stroke of fortune. The body of Roger Unthank has never been found from that day to this. "it was the disappearance of the body which has given rise to all this talk as to his spirit still inhabiting the Black Wood.

Apart from any other question." Dominey said. Felbrigg's housekeeper and my wife's nurse when she was a child. I even find it hard sometimes. "We might spend half an hour or so in the cellars." the lawyer went on. Mangan. Unthank is firmly convinced that. Something ought to be done about those." "We will try one of them to-morrow night. I do not for one moment believe that she is the proper person to be entrusted with the care of Lady Dominey. and a small quantity of two older vintages. "I am very glad you came down with me." "She may be devoted to your wife. Lady Dominey believes that. after a minute's hesitation." Mr. Sir Everard. "This is the finest glass of seventy I've drunk for a long time." he went on. "I was looking through the cellar-book before dinner. whether in fair fight or not." "It has had a pretty long rest. "Whatever her faults may be." he added. as soon as we had arrived here." the lawyer admitted. you killed her son." Dominey observed. as he sipped his third glass of port that evening. with a curious little glance across the table. "to believe that I am the same man. and it was the sight of you after the fight that sent her insane." Dominey suggested. "I find it very difficult to get back into the atmosphere of those days. Mangan said gravely. too. if we have any time to spare."
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. I cannot but believe that it would be far better for Lady Dominey to have some one with her unconnected with this unfortunate chapter of your past." "And another half an hour. I made up my mind to speak to you on this subject. Unthank was old Mr. The situation doesn't seem to me to be consistent." "Mrs." Dominey reminded his companion. "but I am convinced that she is your enemy.Chapter
9
"I certainly offer you my heartiest congratulations upon your cellars. I believe she is devoted to Lady Dominey. Sir Everard. Unthank." "We will consult Doctor Harrison to-morrow. "and I see that you still have forty-seven and forty-eight. Mrs. "I should like to spend in interviewing Mrs. and this new fellow I've sent you down—Parkins—tells me there's any quantity of it." his guest said.

" the lawyer assented. "You seem to have lost a certain pliability. "There are many things connected with the past which I find it almost impossible to associate with you." Mr. "What is it." "He can come to the library at once. One thing the London restaurants can't give us." he admitted. and that vitiates the taste for all wine. into the library. the gamekeeper." Dominey directed. sir. or perhaps I ought to call it looseness of disposition. Middleton." "Indeed I am." he went on." Dominey observed." "The Dominey constitution. "I have served coffee in the library. The lawyer gazed at him with raised eyebrows." he observed frankly. "Tell me exactly in what respects you consider me changed?" Dominey insisted. Mangan. "I should have said reacquired."Not so hard as I have done more than once. "You see. rising. inclining his head towards his host's untasted glass. He seems in a very nervous and uneasy state. "You don't drink port like any Dominey I ever knew." he announced. with a slight smile. has just called." "I'm afraid that I never acquired the taste for port. "that is. He had scarcely left the room before there was a timid knock and Middleton made his somewhat hesitating entrance." he repeated blankly. and asks if he could have a word with you before he goes to bed to-night. "One finds it hard to believe the stories that were going about ten or fifteen years ago." The two men made their way across the very fine hall. the walls of which had suffered a little through lack of heating. that wine. Sir Everard." Dominey directed. "Mr. Middleton? Parkins says you wish to speak to me. "Not acquired the taste for port." The lawyer glanced enviously at his host's fine bronzed complexion and clear eyes. if you are ready for your coffee. Mangan confessed. I suppose!" The new butler entered the room noiselessly and came to his master's chair. "Come in and close the door."
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. For a trifling instance. in the bush we drank a simply frightful amount of spirits. "A great treat. sir. "You haven't the appearance of ever having drunk anything. Port should never be drunk away from the place where it was laid down. and seated themselves in easy-chairs before the blazing log fire." Dominey hastened to explain. Parkins silently served them with coffee and brandy.

"No wonder I have changed! Never mind. but her ladyship is a madwoman at this moment." Middleton went on despairingly. "Bad night. and. I don't seem to be so near to you as I'd wished. Squire. Middleton. heard her threat. as though of a purpose." the old man went on."
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. and it was I who went for the doctor the next morning. "The shape of you seems larger and your voice harder. refused to help him. and. that saved a double tragedy that night. "I've come to ask you a favour and to beg you to grant it for your own sake. Squire. as you well know. His white hair was wind-tossed and disarranged. Squire. and with a knife in her hand you'll never be safe in this house. they called it. but his master. I heard her ladyship go into hysterics. God help us! that's what she's been ever since. "Mr. His face glistened with the rain which had found its way. I saw her laugh and sob like a maniac. They know all our family history. and the blood streaming down your face and clothes. Middleton had raised his voice. and the red light in your eyes—murderous fire. Mangan and his father and grandfather have been solicitors to the estate for a great many years. I heard her call to you. to say what's in my heart. when she'd stolen into your room in the night and missed your throat by a bare inch. "It's to save its being a worse one that I'm here. and that's a fact. it was I. "I was by your side. He glanced at Mangan and mumbled to himself. "It's next her ladyship's. and found speech difficult. He was obviously distressed and uneasy. "Say exactly what you wish to. speak to me just as man to man." he went on." "I can't get rightly into touch with you. You'll not sleep in the oak room to-night?" "And why not?" Dominey asked." "I have had a rough time Middleton." The two men were silent. too." the old man replied hoarsely. Squire." "Well?" The old man was obviously perturbed. He had more to say. It was a madwoman's threat. It was obvious that he had only paused for breath. speaking with fierce excitement. in long streaks down his velveteen coat. seizing her from behind." "It was I who first met you. Squire. with your arm hanging helplessly by your side." Dominey reminded him. "when her ladyship caught up the knife and ran at you." Dominey invited." Dominey remarked.The man came hesitatingly forward. "when you tottered home that night across the park.

"We must see," Dominey said quietly, "that she is not allowed to get possession of any weapon." "Aye! Make sure of that," Middleton scoffed, "with Mother Unthank by her side! Her ladyship's mad because of the horror of that night, but Mother Unthank is mad with hate, and there isn't a week passes," the old man went on, his voice dropping lower and his eyes burning, "that Roger Unthank's spirit don't come and howl for your blood beneath their window. If you stay here this night, Squire, come over and sleep in the little room they've got ready for you on the other side of the house." Mr. Mangan had lost his smooth, after-dinner appearance. His face was rumpled, and his coffee was growing cold. This was a very different thing from the vague letters and rumours which had reached him from time to time and which he had put out of his mind with all the contempt of the materialist. "It is very good of you to warn me, Middleton," Dominey said, "but I can lock my door, can I not?" "Lock the door of the oak room!" was the scornful reply. "And what good would that do? You know well enough that the wall's double on three sides, and there are more secret entrances than even I know of. The oak room's not for you this night, Squire. It's hoping to get you there that's keeping them quiet." "Tell us what you mean, Middleton," the lawyer asked, with ill-assumed indifference, "when you spoke of the howling of Roger Unthank's spirit?" The old man turned patiently around. "Just that, sir," he replied. "It's round the house most weeks. Except for me odd nights, and Mrs. Unthank, there's been scarcely a servant would sleep in the Hall for years. Some of the maids they do come up from the village, but back they go before nightfall, and until morning there isn't a living soul would cross the path—no, not for a hundred pounds." "A howl, you call it?" Mr. Mangan observed. "That's mostly like a dog that's hurt itself," Middleton explained equably, "like a dog, that is, with a touch of human in its throat, as we've all heard in our time, sir. You'll hear it yourself, sir, maybe to-night or tomorrow night." "You've heard it then, Middleton?" his master asked. "Why, surely, sir," the old man replied in surprise. "Most weeks for the last ten years." "Haven't you ever got up and gone out to see what it was?" The old man shook his head.

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"But I knew right well what that was, sir," he said, "and I'm not one for looking on spirits. Spirits there are that walk this world, as we well know, and the spirit of Roger Unthank walks from between the Black Wood and those windows, come every week of the year. But I'm not for looking at him. There's evil comes of that. I turn over in my bed, and I stop my ears, but I've never yet raised a blind." "Tell me, Middleton," Dominey asked, "is Lady Dominey terrified at these—er—visitations?" "That I can't rightly say, sir. Her ladyship's always sweet and gentle, with kind words on her lips for every one, but there's the terror there in her eyes that was lit that night when you staggered into the hall, Squire, and I've never seen it properly quenched yet, so to speak. She carries fear with her, but whether it's the fear of seeing you again, or the fear of Roger Unthank's spirit, I could not tell." Dominey seemed suddenly to become possessed of a strange desire to thrust the whole subject away. He dismissed the old man kindly but a little abruptly, accompanying him to the corridor which led to the servants' quarters and talking all the time about the pheasants. When he returned, he found that his guest had emptied his second glass of brandy and was surreptitiously mopping his forehead. "That," the latter remarked, "is the class of old retainer who lives too long. If I were a Dominey of the Middle Ages, I think a stone around his neck and the deepest well would be the sensible way of dealing with him. He made me feel positively uncomfortable." "I noticed it," Dominey remarked, with a faint smile. "I'm not going to pretend that it was a pleasant conversation myself." "I've heard some ghost stories," Mangan went on, "but a spook that comes and howls once a week for ten years takes some beating." Dominey poured himself out a glass of brandy with a steady hand. "You've been neglecting things here, Mangan," he complained. "You ought to have come down and exorcised that ghost. We shall have those smart maidservants of yours off to-morrow, I suppose, unless you and I can get a little ghost-laying in first." Mr. Mangan began to feel more comfortable. The brandy and the warmth of the burning logs were creeping into his system. "By the by, Sir Everard," he enquired, a little later on, "where are you going to sleep to-night?" Dominey stretched himself out composedly. "There is obviously only one place for me," he replied. "I can't disappoint any one. I shall sleep in the oak room."

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Chapter

10

For the first few tangled moments of nightmare, slowly developing into a live horror, Dominey fancied himself back in Africa, with the hand of an enemy upon his throat. Then a rush of awakened memories—the silence of the great house, the mysterious rustling of the heavy hangings around the black oak four-poster on which he lay, the faint pricking of something deadly at his throat—these things rolled back the curtain of unreality, brought him acute and painful consciousness of a situation almost appalling. He opened his eyes, and although a brave and callous man he lay still, paralysed with the fear which forbids motion. The dim light of a candle, recently lit, flashed upon the bodkin-like dagger held at his throat. He gazed at the thin line of gleaming steel, fascinated. Already his skin had been broken, a few drops of blood were upon the collar of his pyjamas. The hand which held that deadly, assailing weapon—small, slim, very feminine, curving from somewhere behind the bed curtain—belonged to some unseen person. He tried to shrink farther back upon the pillow. The hand followed him, displaying glimpses now of a soft, white-sleeved arm. He lay quite still, the muscles of his right arm growing tenser as he prepared for a snatch at those cruel fingers. Then a voice came,—a slow, feminine and rather wonderful voice. "If you move," it said, "you will die. Remain quite still." Dominey was fully conscious now, his brain at work, calculating his chances with all the cunning of the trained hunter who seeks to avoid death. Reluctantly he was compelled to realise that no movement of his could be quick enough to prevent the driving of that thin stiletto into his throat, if his hidden assailant should keep her word. So he lay still. "Why do you want to kill me?" he asked, a little tensely. There was no reply, yet somehow he knew that he was being watched. Ever so slightly those curtains around which the arm had come, were being parted. Through the chink some one was looking at him. The thought came that he might call out for help, and once more his unseen enemy read his thought.

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"You must be very quiet," the voice said,—that voice which it was difficult for him to believe was not the voice of a child. "If you even speak above a whisper, it will be the end. I wish to look at you." A little wider the crack opened, and then he began to feel hope. The hand which held the stiletto was shaking, he heard something which sounded like quick breathing from behind the curtains—the breathing of a woman astonished or terrified—and then, so suddenly that for several seconds he could not move or take advantage of the circumstance, the hand with its cruel weapon was withdrawn around the curtain and a woman began to laugh, softly at first, and then with a little hysterical sob thrusting its way through that incongruous note of mirth. He lay upon the bed as though mesmerised, finding at his first effort that his limbs refused their office, as might the limbs of one lying under the thrall of a nightmare. The laugh died away, there was a sound like a scraping upon the wall, the candle was suddenly blown out. Then his nerve began to return and with it his control over his limbs. He crawled to the side of the bed remote from the curtains, stole to the little table on which he had left his revolver and an electric torch, snatched at them, and, with the former in his right hand, flashed a little orb of light into the shadows of the great apartment. Once more something like terror seized him. The figure which had been standing by the side of his bed had vanished. There was no hiding place in view. Every inch of the room was lit up by the powerful torch he carried, and, save for himself, the room was empty. The first moment of realisation was chill and unnerving. Then the slight smarting of the wound at his throat became convincing proof to him that there was nothing supernatural about this visit. He lit up half-adozen of the candles distributed about the place and laid down his torch. He was ashamed to find that his forehead was dripping with perspiration. "One of the secret passages, of course," he muttered to himself, stooping for a moment to examine the locked, folding doors which separated his room from the adjoining one. "Perhaps, when one reflects, I have run unnecessary risks." Dominey was standing at the window, looking out at the tumbled grey waters of the North Sea, when Parkins brought him hot water and tea in the morning. He thrust his feet into slippers and held out his arms for a dressing-gown. "Find out where the nearest bathroom is, Parkins," he ordered, "and prepare it. I have quite forgotten my way about here." "Very good, sir."

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" "Very terrible." Dominey returned from the sideboard. "The cries were the most terrible I have ever heard. "and I went big game hunting with my master afterwards. Parkins' expression remained immovable. Mangan had. I never heard a sound from the moment my head touched the pillow until I woke a short while ago." Dominey. "Any ghost alarms last light?" "None that I heard of." "You should camp out for the night on the skirts of an African forest. contrary to his expectations." Dominey remarked. I should say. sir. sir. at the end of the corridor. "I had a slight accident this morning. as he took his place at the table. Dominey glanced down at it and turned the dressinggown up to his throat. "Cut yourself?" he queried. Give you my word. Mangan raised his eyeglass and gazed at his host's throat." Parkins replied. "Wonderful thing this absolute quiet is after London. found his guest awaiting him in the smaller dining-room. sir." he said. however. I will show you the way.
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. if they heard what I heard the night of my arrival. "I am afraid we should have difficulty in keeping the young women from London. sir." "We must look into the matter. a lofty apartment with great windows and with an air of faded splendour which came from the ill-cared-for tapestries. "I am not a nervous person. There was in his tone. when he descended about an hour later. was it?" Dominey asked with a smile." he observed. I do not think that any animal was ever born in Africa with so terrifying a cry as we heard the night before last." "I was out in South Africa during the Boer War. but I found them most disturbing. The row of silver dishes upon the sideboard inspired him with an added cheerfulness." he remarked carelessly. "There you get a whole orchestra of wild animals." Dominey muttered." the man announced. sir. "I had a pretty useful night's rest myself.The man was motionless for a moment. "So there were no ghosts walking last night?" he remarked. every one of them trying to freeze your blood up." the man replied. carrying also a well-filled plate. "If you will allow me. which looked out eastwards towards the sea. slept well and was in excellent spirits. hanging in places from the wall. a mute protest against his master's levity. "I have already prepared a bath." "Human or animal?" "A mixture of both. staring at the blood on his master's pyjamas. Mr.

but a measured."Razor slipped." Mr. The wrinkles in her face. We shall pick him up en route." Dominey replied." Dominey leaned back in his chair." Dominey told him. not an ordinary knock at all." Mr. though. There was a knock at the door." he confessed. "I must admit. And I have told Lees. severer. if that suits you. Unthank.
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. She stood in the path of a long gleam of morning sunlight. There's a fellow round by Wells who farms nearly eight hundred acres—" He broke off in his speech. She ignored the greeting. Mangan set off for another prowl towards the sideboard. "it will be a joy to me to go and see some of these fellows without having to put 'em off about repairs and that sort of thing. Johnson has had the worst of it. Unthank entered. to come with us too. "Satisfied tenants you never will get in Norfolk." she announced. steely eyes were all clearly revealed. her hard mouth. Mrs." "You've managed to give yourself a nasty gash. Mangan nodded his approval. "Upon my word." "I intend that there shall be no more dissatisfaction amongst my tenants. Mr. facing the place where Dominey was seated." Mr. three times repeated. but there are one or two of them took it into their heads to come up to London and worry me at the office. "About our plans for the day. "Her ladyship would be glad for you to visit her in her apartment at once.—I've ordered the car for two-thirty this afternoon. We can look around the place quietly this morning. "Parkins is going to send up for a new set of safety razors for me. "You get out of the use of those things in Africa. She came to the end of the table. "I am the bearer of a message. poor chap. the bailiff." he declared. "Come in. "Pray deliver it. Mrs." he said. His eyes were fixed upon the face of the woman whose antagonism to himself was so apparent." Dominey called out. more unattractive than ever in the hard morning light. deliberate tapping. "Good morning." Dominey announced. Johnson is sleeping over at a farmhouse near here. Mangan observed curiously. her cold. that some of them have had cause to grumble lately.

"You have learnt to control your words." she said. It fell to her side like a lifeless thing. and kissed the waxenlike fingers. in those haunting eyes. he was disappointed. I have broken my word. of Louise Quinze furniture."
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. "Kindly say that I shall follow you in a few minutes. "So you have come to see me. vowed to great things? There was a queer feeling in his throat. was he indeed a strong man. To his surprise. After all. an apartment of faded white and gold walls. with a note of contempt in her tone. Mrs. "I have not deserved that you should seek my life." He possessed himself of her hand. of chandeliers glittering with lustres." he said." she added. A woman? Surely only a child. "and for my pleasure. in a broken tone. with a purpose in the words." he said. sweetly pathetic. anxious eyes. I wonder why?" "Because. "that any further meeting between Lady Dominey and myself is at present desirable. so utterly. "Her ladyship desires me to assure you. "I have come to see you at your bidding. was ushered into an apartment large and sombrely elegant. large." he pleaded. Everard. with pale cheeks. almost a mist before his eyes." Dominey admitted defeat and poured himself out some more coffee." Dominey. His speech of greeting was never spoken. the hand which a few hours ago had held a dagger to his throat. shabby but priceless." If he had thought to disturb this messenger by his suggestion. Everard. She seemed so fragile." he replied. She was sitting up on her couch and watching his approach. Then she raised it and began rubbing softly at the place where his lips had fallen. "Her ladyship is very considerate. Neither of the two noticed that his fingers were trembling. "You are very brave. and masses of brown hair brushed back from her forehead. although he scarcely noticed it at the time."I am not at all sure. Unthank promptly disappeared. with a ghastly little smile. And all the time there was the strange light." "Pleasure!" she murmured. He was from the first left alone with the woman whom he had come to visit. "that you need be under no apprehension. following within a very few minutes of his summons. You have slept here and you live. or was it want of light.

" she said." Dominey said. halting speech and the strange things she said. and took me away from Dour Roger? Do you remember the school chidden used to
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. It is a strange thing to own after all these years—a husband." Dominey felt as though he were breathing an atmosphere of turgid and poisoned sweetness. "Perhaps. her beauty. I lost the desire to kill you. come to my side. "Sometimes it comes to a man that he must slay or be slain. yet there is something gone from your face which I thought one never lost. Rosamund." "I have killed other men since in self-defence. here at the other end of the sofa. Draw your chair nearer to mine." she decided quite calmly. "Listen to me. he felt a strange trembling through all his limbs." "Presents?" For a single wonderful moment. He wants me to go down into Hell and live with him.—the room. "This is important. I have already broken it. Or no. "are more beautiful than ever. after I had made up my mind. I have come back from Africa rich. quite suddenly last night. his spirit was calling to me below my window. "The night before last. It is gone now. her eyes had lost that strange vacancy. Everard. Then. The very thought is horrible. Her smile of anticipation was delightful. When he sat down. hers was the face of a child who had been offered toys. my husband. Let me look at you. "You find me changed?" he asked. You must tell me what presents I can buy you. I am not sure about myself any longer. I have sent for you because I do not understand why. this child woman. It was Roger Unthank—" "I shall not talk about him any longer. "You are very wonderfully changed." she went on. it all came back again. her deliberate. you are perhaps better-looking. "Of what use has my beauty been to me. since you came to my little cottage and loved me and made me love you." "Come." She laughed a little drearily." "You." Dominey told her. before he could say another word."That sounds strangely. "Doesn't it say somewhere in the Bible—'A life for a life'? You killed Roger Unthank. You look stronger. There was a flavour of unreality about the whole situation." she reflected. Indeed. "I shall break my oath." he said cautiously. "we shall speak of other things." She moved her skirts to make room for him.

Never before in his life had his heart beaten as it was beating now. I have seen the truth these few minutes." Dominey staggered to his feet. he calls to me.call him Dour Roger?—But that does not matter. "Well?" she asked. Other married people have lived together and hated each other. why I should not kill you. I must be here to wave my hand. He was unrecognisable even to himself. This new element in the situation had been a shock to him. You can have a motor-car. Nevertheless. "But why not? You cannot know why I have so suddenly changed my mind about you—and I have changed it."
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. Perhaps you love music and to see beautiful pictures. "What do you say? Would you like to hold as a wife's the hand which frightened you so last night?" She held it out to him. Then you could take me right away. were hot. with a strange little smile. too. She looked at him pleasantly. If I went away." he said hoarsely. even a house in town. only to find them in this strange. Rosamund. then he goes away." She sighed in a perplexed fashion. soft and warm. Why shouldn't we? We may forget even to hate. "You can visit where you will. All the time she was watching him composedly." "How surprised you are to find that I am willing to be nice to you!" she murmured. "but you are not strong yet. and once more he felt like a man who has wandered into a strange country and has lost his bearings. Her fingers even returned the pressure of his. He had travelled around the word in search of new things. walked to a window. There is a reason. Everard. Do you know." Dominey was conscious once more of that strange and most unexpected fit of emotion. and they will make you quite strong again. I think that we must try and keep you from thinking. We cannot decide anything in a hurry. His eyes." he said quickly. Everard. side by side with this suffering woman." Her large eyes were lifted almost piteously to his. "But how can I leave here?" she asked plaintively. sometimes oftener. he said quietly: "We must send you some place where the people are kinder and where life is pleasanter. "I want you so much to be happy. that since you left me my feet have not passed outside these gardens?" "That can be altered when you wish. threw it open and leaned out for a moment. Then he closed it and came back. "Every week. I shall bring some wonderful doctors here. faded chamber. "I wish that I could get it out of my blood that I want to kill you. his spirit would break loose and follow me.

" she answered. "If you walk in your sleep to-night. Unthank to me. She shook her head with all the joy of a child who keeps a secret. as though surprised. He lingered over her hand. "you will leave your dagger behind?" "I have told you." The prospect of release was a strange relief. I shall not kill you. mingled still more strangely with regret." he begged. I am excited now. Please send Mrs. then."
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. "that I have abandoned my intention. and I want you to go away for a little time. Even though I may walk in my sleep—and sometimes the nights are so long—it will not be your death I seek." she said."What is it?" he demanded. "You are clever. "I will leave you to find it out.

an ancient. He made his way seaward with uncertain steps until he reached a rough and stony road. I presume. a church embowered with tall elm trees. with seasoned. "I came to see Doctor Harrison. a triangular green at the cross-roads. thatched building. He passed out of the postern gate which led from the walled garden on to a broad marsh. "My uncle has his own little apartment on the other side of the house. for the doctor. Soon he came to a little village." Dominey said. and to tell you the truth he was hoping that you would come and see him. and then turned back at right angles."
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. with dikes running here and there." "I understood that Doctor Harrison was still in the neighbourhood. on another. He retains one patient only. and lapping tongues of sea water creeping in with the tide. descended the stairs to his own part of the house. but nevertheless his forehead remained hot." was the courteous reply. rang the bell. and asked the trim maidservant who answered it. a man of youthful middle-age presented himself in the surgery and bowed. looked about him. here he hesitated for a moment. a village of ancient cottages. trim little patches of garden. on which was a brass plate. There was all the chill of the North Pole in that ice-cold cloud of vapour." The young doctor opened the door and motioned to his guest to precede him. "My uncle lives with me here. He went over and read the name. My name is Stillwell." he said. caught up a hat and stick and strode out into the sea mist which was fast enveloping the gardens." Doctor Stillwell added. red-brick tiles." "I guessed as much. his pulses burning." His caller bowed. "Doctor Harrison retired from practice some years ago. "Lady Dominey. "My name is Dominey—Sir Everard Dominey. square stone house. Dominey was for a moment at a loss.—the Dominey Arms." he ventured. in a graver tone. "You can imagine who that would be. Presently. "You must let me take you to him.Chapter
11
Dominey left the room like a man in a dream. "I am his nephew." the other replied. On one side a low.

I have brought an old friend in to see you. I see. looked around from the window before which he was standing examining a case of fishing flies." There was a moment's somewhat tense silence.They moved across the pleasant white stone hall into a small apartment with French windows leading out to a flagged terrace and tennis lawn." Dominey continued. I do not believe that I have ever seen you before in my life. grey hair. "Still attracted by your old pastime. and of somewhat serious aspect. "you had better start on your round. "Arthur." Dominey observed. sir. shooting. Then Dominey advanced a little stiffly and held out his hand." he said." his nephew announced. which the younger man endeavoured to bridge over. addressing his nephew. "I should certainly never have recognised you. An elderly man. "I really don't know what we poor medical practitioners would do in the country without sport. I dare say Sir Everard would like to speak to me privately. "I am told that the shooting is one of the only glories that has not passed away from Dominey. with weather-beaten face. Even these years of strenuous life—" "You mean to tell me that I am speaking to Everard Dominey?" the doctor interposed. "Uncle." was the prompt response." the other replied drily. who had been bending once more over the case of flies. half moved forward as though to greet him. "but I can see now that you are not he. His uncle. "Come. The doctor glanced expectantly at Dominey. "since I gave up shooting. then checked himself and shook his head doubtfully. "Fishing."
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." he said. "Without a doubt!" The doctor shook hands coolly. "My presence here is nevertheless indisputable." "I shall look forward to the reminder. Doctor?" "I have only taken up fly fishing. golf." he confessed." he said. turned abruptly around. "You certainly remind me very much of an old friend." "I shall remind you of that later." he said." There was another somewhat awkward pause. broad-shouldered. His was certainly not the enthusiastic welcome of an old family attendant to the representative of a great family. "I can scarcely have changed as much as all that. Doctor.

" his visitor observed carelessly. eyeing him steadfastly. You must excuse my uncle. "I will be getting on. I was told that you had become a broken-down drunkard. "if his manners are a little gruff." was the blunt reply." he said." he added in a lower tone." "Your present appearance. his hands in his old-fashioned breeches pockets. You slept at the Hall last night?" "Where else? I also. "that you are really Everard Dominey. occupied my own bedchamber—with results. "but only professionally. There is no necessity—" "I am late already." "You have also gained courage since the days when you fled from England. eyeing him appraisingly. to have even approached your wife. no right. "the appearance of a man who has been used to excesses of any sort. and I sometimes think that he broods over her case too much." "You seem rather a martinet as regards my domestic affairs." "I was never your friend. nevertheless. ours. Doctor." Dominey observed." "Good old stock."I wish to speak to you certainly." Dominey admitted. drawing him a little towards the door. "You appear to have met with one. to display the scar on his throat. "You were never my friend. at least." "That's just your luck." the doctor declared. if you will excuse me." Dominey added." came the retort." the old man continued." he said a little curtly." "The world is full of liars. throwing his head a little back. if you want to know. Sir Everard. "altogether insignificant." "You have not even. Uninvited Dominey seated himself in an easy-chair." the doctor persisted. "Let me suggest that we conduct this conversation on a purely professional basis. "You've no right to have gone there without seeing me. "I find it very hard to believe. because you were married to the sweetest woman on God's earth. "because I have known you always as a selfish brute. He is devoted to Lady Dominey. gave up none of your bad habits. and
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." Dominey nodded and turned back into the room to find the doctor. after all that has passed. frightened her into insanity by reeling home with another man's blood on your hands." Dominey said equably. "does not in any way bear out the description I had of you some years ago." "I am afraid you will have to accept me as a fact." Doctor Stillwell interrupted. "That's because I know your history. "Plenty of twobottle men behind my generation.

They couldn't help." was the curt reply. They tell me that you are a rich man now. "can't you forget how thoroughly you disapprove of me? I am here now with only one object: I want you to point out to me any way in which we can work together for the improvement of my wife's health. "and you came to see me."
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. you shouldn't have passed this threshold. none at all." "Give me your advice. "Tell me whom to send for?" "Pooh! Those days are finished with me. Unthank?" "Part of your task. "is history." "Then for her sake. Her brain is starved because her heart is aching for love. You could have the great specialists down. and if you don't like it you can get out. If she could believe in your repentance and reform." the other rejoined. but it might salve your conscience to pay them a few hundred guineas. "Is it of any use sending for specialists?" "Just for the present. I cannot tell what the result might be." "You refuse to help?" "My help isn't worth a snap of the fingers. a little taken aback." "This is my house. I have become a villager. The rest depends upon you. dished up in a somewhat partial fashion. and you alone.then stayed away for over ten years instead of making an effort to repair the mischief you had done." "Would you meet them?" Dominey asked anxiously. and I am not very hopeful about it." "And what about that horrible woman. and she is no exception to the rule. "Fidelity." "This. If it weren't for Lady Dominey's sake." "There can be no question of a partnership between us. Lady Dominey is a good woman. I shall say exactly what I like to you." the doctor grunted. Mrs." Dominey begged." "Upon me?" Dominey repeated. if you are really going to take it up. I repeat my suggestion that we confine our conversation to the professional. She stands between your wife and the sun. I have done all I can for her physically. "is second nature with all good women. I go to see Lady Dominey as an old friend. although heaven knows. that sounds like a miracle. if any atonement for the past were possible and were generously offered." observed Dominey. when one considers what a lazy. "I would meet none of them. She is a perfectly sound woman." Dominey suggested in a softer tone. selfish fellow you were. I am a doctor no longer.

" Dominey moved uneasily in his chair." the doctor replied. send Mrs." the former continued fiercely. believing that you slew her son. "that would be impossible. because there has been no one to replace her." he went on. Come to think of it. she will be cured in time of that mania at any rate." his visitor replied." "You think there is no affection between the two?" Dominey asked. "My wife has already promised to make no further attempt upon my life." the doctor declared. But you'll have to give up the idea of town houses and racing and yachting. You'll have for some time. If a single night passes without Lady Dominey coming to your room with a knife in her hand. "That's a different matter. you will have the sweetest companion for life any man could have. "Not in the way you imagine. "Still afraid!" he scoffed. "Nowadays." "Impossible!" The doctor repeated the word. you can cure her if you want to. you cannot make money without assuming responsibilities. If you ask me." "Well. I am clearing off the whole of the mortgages upon the Dominey estates within the next few months. sleep with your doors wide open." was the blunt reply. "the Domineys were never cowards." Dominey explained. Dare you do that?" Dominey's hesitation was palpable. I believe it's pandered to by Mrs. to give every moment of your time to your wife. "Not a scrap. "For one thing. "except that Lady Dominey is of so sweet and gentle a nature—" The doctor paused abruptly. Unthank away."
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. has some fantastic idea of giving her a home and shelter as a kind of expiation. seemed to roll it round in his mouth with a sort of wondering scorn. "and if you do.—also his agitation. If you've got your courage back. because Lady Dominey." he said. at any rate. "That's just where the weak spot in her brain remains. and all those sort of things I suppose you've been looking forward to. "For the next few months. and grouse moors in Scotland. "I am not quite the idler I used to be. His visitor's fingers had strayed across his throat. frowning. Unthank."Then why have you suffered her to remain there all those years?" Dominey demanded. "and for another. The doctor grinned contemptuously.

"and I hate miracles. the suspicion of it in his closely trimmed moustache. And now—come over to me here. It showed the sprinkling of grey in his ruddy-brown hair. I want to look at you. if ever it comes to pass. manly complexion. or even in the set of his somewhat arrogant lips. The old doctor took up his box of flies again and jerked his head towards the door." Dominey obeyed with a little shrug of the shoulders."How you spend your time is your affair. in the tan of his hard. "All I say about the matter is that your wife's cure. in the light of this window. "You are a miracle." he said. but it could find no weak spot in his steady eyes. not mine. is in your hands. I'll come and see Lady Dominey in a day or so."
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. but the white north light was in its way searching. There was no sunshine." the doctor muttered.

I have your tenants too in my mind. Johnson cleared his throat as he raised his glass. the bailiff. "It isn't only on my own account." Mr. here's a visitor for the Hall. who read novels. some of them. met the situation. "I suppose you know. put aside for just that one purpose and—well. Mr. and may we see plenty of you in these parts. "A modern romance. to those with whom he was brought into contact. sir. you may just as well have it. as a car swept by them. his agent. Probably for the first time in their lives. Johnson. Mr." Agent and bailiff leaned back in the tonneau of their motor-car. and they've stood it like white men. opposite. Johnson. revelling in the unusual situation of a satisfied landlord and delighted tenants. half an hour later. and. Lees associated himself with these sentiments. an entirely satisfactory afternoon. They reached home late.Chapter
12
Dominey spent a curiously placid. The money is there waiting. he made practically the entire round of the Dominey estates. however." he said." Mr. although he seemed to be living in another world. watched the opening of a magnum of champagne. Mangan by his side. "It's a fair miracle. So here's from them and me to you." he added. "I shall send a cheque for twenty thousand pounds to the estate account at your bank at Wells. Johnson and Lees. Their philosophy. and the glasses were speedily emptied and filled again. "that what you've promised to do to-day will cost a matter of ten to fifteen thousand pounds. was not neglectful of the claims of hospitality. Sir Everard. Lees declared." Mr. They had the sense of having drifted into fairyland. and Mr." the agent observed." Dominey nodded. "Before I go to bed to-night. murmured. with immense cigars in their mouths and a pleasant. With Mr. "Hello. but Dominey. rippling warmth in their veins. "that I drink your hearty good health. Sir Everard. They've had a rough time. murmuring amiable platitudes.
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." he said.

"There are a score of rooms ready. "I have done business there all my life. sir. and an old-fashioned bed-warmer will do the rest. who presented himself at the Hall with a small dressing-bag and a great many apologies." Dominey replied. There had been disagreeable interviews with angry tenants. "Nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
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. If it is in any way inconvenient to put me up for the night. too. "I must not seem to be hanging after you too much—I really did not want to come—but the matter is urgent. Everything to do with the Domineys for the last fifteen years had reeked of poverty. The new situation was almost beatific. and one of my customers needed looking after. "What time is that fellow going?" he asked. and when I found that I was only thirty miles off you. The corks appear to be in excellent condition. pleaded an extraordinary sleepiness and retired." he explained. "I have found a bin of Cockburn's fifty-one. You remember Mr. perhaps. "I was up all last night. as Mr. and remarkably little profit at the end of the year to set against these disagreeable episodes. "Found myself in Norwich."Comfortable-looking gent. He lingered behind for a moment after the dressing bell had rung. He had really had a hard struggle to make both ends meet. Mangan sighed. Mangan especially was uplifted. The concluding touch. sir." Dinner that night was a pleasant and social meal." was the weary reply. "I thought you might like to try a couple of bottles. say so—" "My dear fellow!" Dominey interrupted." "After this." Mr." he announced." Mr. including the lawyer in his confidential whisper. To-morrow morning will do. Even Mr. very early in the evening. All that we need is to light a fire. I couldn't resist having a run across. Dominey. The "comfortable-looking gent" was Otto Seaman. Mangan seems rather a connoisseur. "it will be hard to get back to the austere life of a Pall Mall club!" Seaman. "I am the early bird myself. seemed a little abstracted." Seaman whispered back. leaving his host and Mangan alone over the port. Mr. was in Parkins' congratulatory whisper as he set a couple of decanters upon the table. and Seaman accepted a little refreshment after his drive. "Not a word until then." "We can send Mangan to bed early. Sir Everard." Dominey suggested. Mangan?" The two men shook hands. formal interviews with dissatisfied mortgagees. Lees remarked. I finished early. although an attentive host.

Both glasses were set down empty. "It's an old-fashioned way of looking at things now." "I take the liberty of finishing my glass to that hope. seemed temporarily to have left his patron. and drenching streams of rain dashed against the loose-framed sashes of the windows. was conscious that a certain hardness. "to the doctor who has been in attendance upon her since her marriage. a little startled by the abruptness of the question. be restored to perfect health. That night a storm rolled up from somewhere across that grey waste of waters. there's only one thing necessary to round the whole business off. isn't it?" Dominey relapsed into thoughtfulness. Mangan?" Dominey asked his companion. a storm heralded by a wind which came booming over the marshes. Sir Everard. "I." the lawyer murmured. and. and behind her— "Have you ever been in love. as he sipped his first glass of wine. I'm not sure. "becomes very fragile." the man of the world replied." "And that?" Dominey asked unthinkingly. Sir Everard.
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. you may remember. "The return of Lady Dominey to health. "This old glass. as it were. fastened a dressing-gown around him. this recrudescence of an old family. I was one of the few." he admitted. Black clouds leaned over the land. Mr. If I might be allowed to say so. threw himself into an easy-chair. calling to him to fulfill the pledges of long ago. He agrees with me that there is no reason why Lady Dominey should not." "I paid a visit this morning. looking at his own admiringly. "what a pleasure it is to me to see. Dominey lit the tall candles in his bedroom. Mangan expressed his polite regrets. who was not an observant man. "I suppose so." Dominey said. tried to read. in course of time. almost arrogance of speech and manner. In the shadows of the room he had fancied that he could see Stephanie Eiderstrom holding out her arms. "I can't tell you. fixing an electric reading lamp by his side. only the stem of Dominey's was snapped in two. sir? Well." he murmured." he said." Dominey did not answer. shaking the latticed windows of Dominey Place. His brain had served him a strange trick. privileged to make her acquaintance at the time of your marriage. shrieking and wailing amongst its chimneys and around its many corners. as it were.Mangan.

Then a woman. which he had pushed a few feet into the shadows. He became suddenly tense and watchful. Dominey felt for a moment something like the stab of a knife at his heart." he told her quietly." he assured her. Her hair hung down her back like a girl's. Rosamund. I almost think that the desire has gone. Her eyes were lustrous but plaintive. "These storms are part of our lives. They come with birth. and something has come to you. leaning back in his chair. too. "You are not afraid?" she asked anxiously. The familiar click was twice repeated. "See. and they shake the world when death seizes us. save one alone. Unthank was very angry with me. "Because you are not like Everard to me any more. His eyes counted one by one the panels in the wall by the left-hand side of the bed." "In my heart I know that. You are not the same man. and the white dressing-gown which floated diaphanously about her was unexpectedly reminiscent of Bond Street. "but—" "Ah. that all the passions of life burn themselves out. "I learnt many things there. drawn like a moth towards that semicircle of candle. "Sit here and rest. but I have been so ill. For a moment a dark space appeared. "It is the storm which terrifies me. but you will not scold me?" she begged. "because something has gone from you. stooping low. I have nothing in my hands.Very soon the book slipped from his fingers." He drew a low chair for her into the little circle of light and arranged some cushions. "There is nothing to fear." "I am not afraid. You remember the little stiletto I had last night? To-day I threw it into the well. What is it? Had you troubles in Africa? Did you learn what life was like out there?" He sat looking at her for a moment. glided into the room. Everard. Shall I call you Everard still?" "Why not?" he asked. One should not be afraid. "I learnt a little of the difference between right doing and wrongdoing." he invited. Mrs. and against it her skin seemed whiter and more delicate than ever. She looked very young and very fragile to have been swayed through the years by an evil passion. and with something of the child's fear of harm in them. She came slowly towards him. a smile of rare and wonderful beauty."
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." she told him. As she sank into it. she suddenly looked up at him and smiled. I learnt." she answered simply. Her hair was glossy and splendid.

Dream after dream rose up and passed away before that little background of tapestried wall. "You need not be afraid of me any more. how it shrieks at us? Oh. the wind rose to greater furies. When he spoke. raising her eyes. His last speech seemed to have been outside the orbit of her comprehension or interest. She held out her arms." she said. "I have no fear of you. Everard. and still her fingers seemed to keep their clutch upon his hand." she begged. a little pathetically. I have had dreams." He lifted her up.She twisted the girdle of her dressing-gown in her fingers for a moment. "I have come back to take care of you. It seemed to him thick and choked." he promised. "I feel so well. A pale light stole into the room. and died away only as the dawn broke through the storm clouds. Somehow he realised that about this slumber there was a new thing. "I am so rested. and took her hand gently in his. Her mouth—a very perfectly shaped mouth—rested in quiet lines. he scarcely recognised his own voice. "Carry me. I want to sleep again. and her eyes closed as her head fell farther back amongst the cushions. "You must go back to your own room now. Her breathing was all the time soft and regular. When she opened her eyes and looked at him." he answered. the same smile parted her lips as the smile which had come there when she had passed away to sleep. Her fingers closed around his neck. Very slowly her fingers relaxed. With hot eyes and aching limbs he sat through the night. He tried the folding doors. I am resting. Everard. her head fell back with a little sigh of content. I am afraid!" He moved forward to her side." She sighed. and the room was chilly. Her silky black eyelashes lay motionless upon her pale cheeks." she begged. and. Don't move. "The wind shall not hurt you. "Something quite new is coming to me. smiled like a tired child. or anything else. It is the sweetest rest I ever felt. Let my fingers stay in yours—so. "I am only half awake. please. Her fingers responded at once to his pressure." he said. "Then why don't you bring your chair forward and come and sit a little nearer to me?" she asked. finding some
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." The fire had burned out. "Stay just like that." she murmured. "Do you hear the wind. beautiful dreams. Still the woman slept." The candles burned down in their sockets.

"Kiss me.difficulty in opening them carried her out into the corridor. Then he drew the bedclothes over her and fled. into her own room. "You are quite comfortable?" he asked." Her hands drew his face down. "Quite. Everard. and laid her upon the untouched bed. His lips rested upon her forehead.
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." she murmured drowsily.

he and his host walked up and down the terrace the next morning. I have great and wonderful news for you." Dominey murmured a little idly.Chapter
13
There was a cloud on Seaman's good-humoured face as. Now mark my words and do not misunderstand me. "I hope you will remember that as yet I am scarcely established here. "You have undertaken a great enterprise. Of those interludes which are necessary to a human being. The very keynote of our progress is ruthlessness. I trust you will not misunderstand me when I say that apart from the necessities of my work. muffled up in their overcoats. "carrying Lady Dominey in your arms. But it will keep. "I shall come to the great purpose of my visit. We have seen much of one another since we met in Cape Town. "In a few minutes. unless his system is to fall to pieces as dry dust. To take even a single step forward towards the achievement of that purpose is worth the sacrifice of all the scruples and delicacies conceivable. The passion and purpose of my life you have been able to judge." he said." Seaman continued." Seaman replied. to your camp just at the moment when you received your orders from headquarters." "It is with regard to your establishment here. Your self-conceived plan has met with every encouragement from us. a miraculous piece of fortune which brought the Englishman. He disclosed his mind a little abruptly." Seaman explained drily. "I sleep with one ear open. Mangan. after the departure of Mr. I am a man of sentiment. Dominey. But when a certain course of action is without profit to our purpose. I see ugliness in it. you have also seen something. It distresses me. without a doubt." "The time for action has arrived?" Dominey asked curiously. It was." "I am prepared to admit it. You will be placed in a unique position to achieve your final purpose." "What the devil do you mean?" Dominey demanded. "Well?" "I saw you leave your room early this morning."
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. "that I desire to say a word.

It was only when he had breathed once or twice quickly that he could command his voice." he said. to your face—that to deceive a lady of weak intellect. I will go further. his position." Dominey declared. but I can deal with it as a man of honour. is necessary. that Lady Dominey was frightened of the storm last night and found her way into my room." "In what way?" "The common impression in the neighbourhood here is that she is a maniac chiefly upon one subject—her detestation of you." was the terse reply." "You relieve me. with involuntary sarcasm. my friend. Seaman. "Look here. and character. "What concern is this of yours?" he demanded. by the by. I am here to help you fill the shoes of another man. Cannot you see that a too friendly attitude on her part might become fatal to our schemes?" "In what way?"
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. save in the vital interests of his country. however beautiful. to make use of your position as her supposed husband." "Lady Dominey." he observed." Dominey's passion seemed to have burned itself out without expression. I will admit that it is not my concern to interfere in any ordinary amour you might undertake. but—I shall tell you this. "Have no fear. You may be sure that I treated her with all the respect and sympathy which our positions demanded. for your own sake as well as ours.There were little streaks of pallor underneath the tan in Dominey's face. is not." he enjoined him. His eyes were like glittering metal. He showed not the slightest resentment at his companion's words. "we are too closely allied for bluff. "seems to be curiously falsifying certain predictions. being a brave man. "To continue. "You are well served here. so far as regards his estates. the action of a Prussian nobleman. "That. "You must admit that the spectacle of last night was calculated to inspire me with uneasiness. ignored all this. people of unsound mind are remarkably tenacious of their ideas. yet in the morning after your first night here there was blood upon your night clothes. Seaman gripped his companion's arm. "The fact is. you are rehabilitating. You naturally. She has been known to take an oath that you should die if you slept in this house again. There was certainly nothing of the murderess in her demeanour towards you last night." Dominey's eyebrows were slowly raised. which." Seaman confessed." "I respect you for your plain words." Seaman remarked meditatively. "The situation is delicate.

He withdrew his arm from his companion's and stared at him blankly. "You mean that I am to go to Germany?"
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. the fact that Lady Dominey seems to have so soon forgotten all her enmity towards you would be strong presumptive evidence that you are not the man you claim to be. than either. now absolutely unkindled. might have been formed. you would not have been able to take your place in Society." "It was certainly a magnificent way of establishing me." "I shall do so. suspicions. let me promise you this. to give you his instructions in person. however." Seaman confessed. everybody's hand would have been against you. In passing. "the probability of which is." Dominey stopped short upon the terrace. All this time." "And the news?" "What must be the greatest desire in your heart. "but for the news I bring. more important." Dominey admitted. In a few months' or a few years' time. "and very possible. my friend. It is just an item in our day by day expenses. some distant Dominey will benefit to that extent. becoming less every day. "that the way was made a little clearer for me?" "That would have been my task this morning." Seaman declared. It is the same in diplomacy as in war. however. You have seen proof." "Is it not almost time." Seaman explained. The Kaiser has expressed a desire to see you." Dominey assented. "The Kaiser?" he exclaimed. "Very well. We cannot recover the money. You will never be asked to stoop to the crooked ways of the ordinary spy. perhaps. which is absolutely necessary for the furtherance of our scheme. but safest in the long run. "If you had returned a poor man. listen. We want you for a different purpose. A great moment has arrived for you. then. Germany will pay the price for what she intends to achieve. "is to be granted. during the last few days." "Ingenious." "You are right. I must confess." "Explain if you please. "Magnificent. and." Seaman said solemnly. that you have an organisation behind you to whom money is dross. we speak on what you yourself admit to be a side issue. Ninety thousand pounds was yesterday passed to the credit of your account for the extinction of certain mortgages." Dominey enquired." Seaman replied."If ever your identity is doubted.

action. moreover. that you are one of those who firmly believe that I killed your son."We shall start at once. You need not trouble your head about that. "I should like to know why you have been content to remain my wife's attendant for the last ten years?" Mrs. "that you have been the best possible companion for her?" "She has never been willing to accept any other.
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. "Personally. He held out a chair to her." the woman replied." "I consider it suicidal." It was arranged that the two men should leave during the morning for Norwich by motor-car and thence to Harwich." "It will be wonderful." she demanded. It is easy to imagine that a crisis has arisen in the management of one of them. We require the votes of our fellow shareholders." Dominey protested. without consulting me." his companion pointed out." she answered. and your chauffeur. You will breathe the air of the Fatherland once more. How I love action! That time-table. sent a messenger for Mrs. "Many of the mines in which a share has been bought in your name are being run with German capital. "a breath of the things that are to come. then—the returning of good for evil?" "Exactly what do you want to say to me. "Do you consider. "should I have been here all these years?" "I scarcely see. my friend." Dominey muttered." Seaman replied. "What explanation can I possibly make for going to Germany. which she declined. of all countries in the world. And think of the wonder of it! If only for a single day your sentence of banishment is lifted. "Lady Dominey has needed me." he continued. was obviously disconcerted by Dominey's line of questions. I understand. to take. Dominey. Mrs. Unthank. after a moment's pause. before I have had time to settle down here?" "That of itself will not be difficult. "If I weren't. Unthank. having changed into travelling clothes. And now. It has been decided upon. I do not consider the proceeding discreet or necessary." he asked. however. Unthank was startled by the suddenness of the attack. "Are you very devoted to my wife?" he enquired. Sir Everard?" she asked harshly. however. "Mrs." Seaman promised. "what particular claim my wife has had upon you. who came to him presently in his study. Unthank." he said. Is this attendance upon my wife a Christian act. grim and fierce though she was and appeared to be. "It will be for you.

looking at him. She began to shake. I look upon your future from the financial point of view." "Unreasonable. Then she came a little nearer and leaned forward. "Lady Dominey couldn't do without me. "except to let you know that I am coming to see my wife in the space of a few minutes. asking him to come up this afternoon and to keep Lady Dominey under his personal observation until my return. I shall settle upon you the sum of three hundred pounds a year. In the meantime. if only you had kept away. On my return I shall embark upon the changes with which I have acquainted you." she answered sullenly. but I never knew a man made out of a weakling. you call it?" the woman almost shouted. "That is my intention." She stood quite still. as my care. "I have not spoken to Lady Dominey yet. from enquiries I have made." "I have nothing more to say to you. Sir Everard. "that I am determined to bring about my wife's restoration to health." "You would dare to send me away?" the woman demanded. For that reason I am going to have specialists down here. you call it?" "I have finished what I had to say. watching a curious change in the woman's expression." she cried." Dominey replied." Dominey confessed. "Eleven years. Unthank. "I am compelled by important business to leave here for two or three days. I believe that you have encouraged in her that ridiculous superstition about the ghost of your son. "I have written this morning to Doctor Harrison." she muttered." Dominey replied. Personally. My own feeling is that she will stand a much better chance of recovery without your attendance. "That. but I hope that very soon my influence over her will be such that she will be content to obey my wishes. as though studying his face. I also believe that you have kept alive in her that spirit of unreasonable hatred which she has felt towards me. There was a curious look of fear in her eyes. she might one day have loved? Unreasonable. "is for her to decide." The woman showed her first sign of weakness. "You." he replied." Dominey declared. who came home to her with the blood on your hands of the man whom."
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." he added."I wish to say this. "I can't leave this place. "do change many men. and above all things to change for a time her place of residence. Mrs. "I must stay here!" "Why?" he demanded.

but I did not tell you what it was. Unthank. I think that she hid my things on purpose." She took his arm and linked her hands through it. Then she hears it. You need never be afraid of me any more." "You are not fond of Mrs. "I am afraid. "I think I am very much afraid of her. "Do you know." "And you?" he asked." "What do you understand?" he demanded huskily. "But then. Unthank." Dominey said. You are not my husband at all." "I want to talk to you about Mrs. but you are not Everard. when I suddenly felt the desire to kill die away. you see.The motor-horn was already sounding below when Dominey was admitted to his wife's apartment. Everard! She would never go away." he promised. She held out her hands towards him."
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. dropping her voice a little and whispering almost in his ear. "I will come back within three days. Her brows were a little puckered. But it is no use. and it doesn't come." she answered." She made a grimace. and she had the air of one awaiting his arrival expectantly. "You are going away?" she murmured." he told her. I was so anxious to see you. The disappointment of a child lurked in her manner. "She stays here to listen to the voice." she confessed. You are another man. Will you come back—my husband?" Dominey's nails cut into the flesh of his clenched hands." she murmured." he said. She was dressed in a loose gown of a warm crimson colour. I understand." she went on confidentially. Unthank would never go. "we shall see. "at the very moment when my dagger rested upon your throat. You are very like him sometimes. I am not very strong. in a perplexed tone." "When I return. I spoke about it yesterday. All night long sometimes she waits and listens." she declared. "It was Mrs. "Mrs. "In a very few moments. and she is rested. "Should you be very unhappy if I sent her away and found some one younger and kinder to be your companion?" The idea seemed to be outside the bounds of her comprehension. "The knowledge must have come to me. "I hope you will soon come back. "I don't think so. Unthank?" he enquired anxiously." she went on. "I have been waiting to see you for an hour. "I am so sorry that you are going. The passion of hatred seemed to have passed from her pale face and from the depths of her strangely soft eyes. "something has come into my mind lately.

Her lips. repeated her mistress' last words. They both turned towards the door. her gaunt. "Another man!"
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.Dominey gave a little gasp. hard face lit up with a gleam of something which was like triumph. her eyes glittering. Mrs. Unthank was standing there. as though involuntarily.

"Prepare yourself. "But where are we?" he enquired. overheated compartment. is making one of his military tours. "Your home-coming seems to depress you. A bearded and uniformed official threw open the door of their compartment. "to set foot in Germany again for many years. in the midst of which were great cleared spaces." he said. out into a stretch of flat country. "Within five minutes of our destination. to have passed beyond the boundaries of any ordinary reserve. Seaman leaned forward in his seat in the sombrely upholstered. speaking only when necessary and comporting himself generally like one to whom all externals have lost significance.Chapter
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There were times during their rapid journey when Seaman. "The Kaiser." Dominey remarked wonderingly. into forests of pines. where." Seaman announced." The train sped on through long chains of vineyard-covered hills." "But there is not a house in sight. to have become like a man immeshed in the toils of a past so absorbing that he moved as though in a dream. Von Ragastein. and they stepped on to the narrow wooden platform of a small station which seemed to have been
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. studying his companion. Presently they slackened speed." "The past still bites?" "Always. As they embarked upon the final stage of their travels." he said. Seaman glanced at his watch and rose. "We descend in a few minutes. with his staff. my friend. "It was not my intention. became thoughtful. We are honoured by being permitted to travel back with him as far as the Belgian frontier. Dominey seemed." Dominey replied. notwithstanding the closely drawn windows." They had come to a standstill now. indeed. the resinous odour from the fallen trunks seemed to permeate the compartment. "You will be received on board His Majesty's private train." Dominey glanced out of the window.

Dominey stood at attention for a moment and bowed a little awkwardly. The Baron Von Ragastein will come this way. Their journey was over." the Kaiser pronounced. stood at the salute before a seated figure who was bending over a map. A brief conversation was carried on between Seaman and the official." the latter observed. Majesty. "that my counsellors were unanimous in advising your withdrawal to what will shortly become the
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." Dominey was ushered now into the main saloon. was drawn a complete cordon of soldiers." They boarded the train and passed along a richly carpeted corridor. His guide motioned him to remain near the entrance. "The Baron Von Ragastein. your Majesty. took Dominey by the arm and led him across the line towards it. where several men were seated. painted black. with much gold ornamentation. "His Majesty will receive you at once. Their guide paused and pointed to a small retiring-room. "You did so well. "His Imperial Majesty will receive him for a few minutes later. The Kaiser beckoned Dominey to advance. The latter clicked his heels together and retired." "Sir Everard Dominey. Around the station. The Kaiser smiled. and having emblazoned upon the central panel the royal arms of Germany. The Kaiser glanced up at the sound of footsteps and whispered something in the general's ear. as he took the chair to which his august host pointed." he said. Good reports have reached me of your work in Africa. "Sit there and be at your ease. and. I see. be seated." Dominey replied. An officer received them at the steps and bowed punctiliously to Dominey.recently built of fresh pine planks. "to see a German officer ill at ease without his uniform." the young officer murmured." "I did my best to execute your Majesty's will. Count. "Follow me." he said. Baron Von Ragastein." he announced. which a stern-faced man in the uniform of a general had unrolled before him. who seemed to have recently disembarked from a military train which stood upon a siding. during which Dominey took curious note of his surroundings. himself advancing a few paces. half hidden in some places by the trees and shrubs. The train." Dominey ventured. you will leave us. at whom he gazed with much interest. at your service. immediately they had alighted. In the middle of it was a solitary saloon carriage. Seaman. passed on. "Thorough in all things. "It pleases me. "Herr Seaman will find friends there. when he had finished his conversation.

turning aside from great matters. passed one to his companion and raised the other. I believe." "Important though your work in Africa was. are encouraging the suspicions which I am inclined to fancy England has begun to entertain towards the Fatherland." the Kaiser continued. your Majesty. drink a toast with me. From the moment of receiving our commands you appear to have displayed initiative. "I have sent for you to have a few words concerning your habitation in England." "Your Majesty does me great honour. the Kaiser drew out a longnecked bottle of Moselle. One might have gathered that. They set down their glasses. the Irish question. he had been devoting himself entirely to the scheme in which Dominey was concerned. "To the Fatherland!" Dominey repeated. The Kaiser threw back the grey military cloak which he was wearing. the authority and the duties of my espionage system. "Von Ragastein. "To the Fatherland!" he said. I gather that your personation of this English baronet has been successfully carried through?" "Up to the present." the Kaiser continued." From a mahogany stand at his elbow."
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. He seemed for a moment to lose himself in thought. "I wish you to consider yourself. there was a slight frown upon his forehead. in the Reviews. I wish to speak to you for these few minutes without reserve. From you I look for other things. empty. I wish you to receive your impressions of your mission from my own lips. These things are all on the fringe of your real mission. His hard and somewhat cruel mouth was tightly closed." he said at last. and other social movements of which you will receive notice in due time. or by means of fiction. the progress of this National Service scheme." Dominey murmured. his eyes a little screwed up. His fingers still toyed with the stem of his wineglass. if possible the intimacy.great centre of interest. taking no advantage of the cushioned back of his easy-chair. That. of Prince Terniloff. As a typical English country gentleman I desire you to study the labour question. "your present task is a far greater one. He was sitting upright. I desire you to enter into the spirit of your assumed position. "as entirely removed from the limits. I desire a list compiled of those writers who. though. First. For quite five minutes there was complete silence. our admirable friend Seaman has already confided to you. It is to seek the friendship. displaying a long row of medals and decorations. filled two very beautiful glasses. the frown deepening.

in the duel that followed. His companion continued after another brief spell of silent brooding." The Kaiser refilled his glass and Dominey's." he continued. and not his. your Majesty. He is a fit ambassador for a country which has not the wit to arm itself on land as well as by sea. "The Princess has already received me graciously. My statesmen and counsellors would have sent to London an ambassador with sterner qualities. when I hold the coast towns of Calais and Boulogne. you slew him. when my cannon command the Straits of Dover! The days of insular nations are passed." "It was an accident." "The English appear to put their whole trust in their navy. creeping closer every day." he said. and then. when it sees a nation. "He carries the sprig of olive in his mouth. more splendidly led than its own. Terniloff is the man to gull fools. I preferred not. because he is a fool himself.The Kaiser paused. but it was your life which was forfeit. Von Ragastein." Dominey confided." The Kaiser frowned. Still. more cultured. "Fools!" he exclaimed. "The accident should have happened the other way. "my decree of banishment against you was a just one. they tell me that your work in Africa was well and thoroughly done. and yet in those moments they seemed filled with brooding pictures. His lips curled contemptuously. passed as surely as the days of England's arrogant supremacy upon the seas. Its exact nature waits upon developments. "Of what use will their navy be when my sword is once drawn. and once more his eyes wandered to the landscape which rolled away from the plate-glass windows of the car. I give you this one great chance of
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. You will understand your mission a little more clearly than you do now. "I should have lost a valuable servant." Dominey bowed and remained silent." he rejoined sharply. "Terniloff is the dove of peace." the Kaiser pronounced. They were certainly not the eyes of a dreamer. The eyes of his companion flashed. The morals of my people are as sacred to me as my oath to win for them a mightier empire. "In some months' time." Dominey observed tentatively. "you will understand why you have been enjoined to become the friend and companion of Terniloff. You can at all times trust Seaman. You first of all betrayed the wife of one of the most influential noblemen of a State allied to my own. All manner of excuses were loathsome to him. "I had no intention of even wounding the Prince. mightier." Dominey pleaded. your Majesty. "Von Ragastein.

believe me. who was waiting about for his audience. for its own sake. For many years I have. It is the spirit. Sit down and join us in a glass of beer. for the sake of my people. patted him on the arm. puppet-like carriage." Dominey bowed stiffly and took his place with the others. a young man with a fixed monocle. Your audience is finished. have felt something of that divine message which has come to me. willed peace. who had knitted his brows thoughtfully. although I do not venture to
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. Luncheon will be served to us here in a few minutes. "Dear friend. and Seaman. I believe.rehabilitation. called him in and introduced him to several members of the suite. I have no fear but that every loyal German will bow his head before the lightnings which will play around my sword and share with me the iron will to wield it." Dominey murmured." "That. Still." the Kaiser said. If your work in England commends itself to me. that the day is not far off when the sentence of exile against you will be annulled. We shall proceed within a few minutes and leave you at the Belgian frontier. looked at him a little strangely. Now that the time draws near when Heaven has shown me another duty. You will have expiated that crime which. even without the hope of reward. "I obey the orders of my Imperial master when I wipe from my mind every episode or reminiscence of my former days. "is well spoken. too. will command my every effort. and a queer. bowed stiffly and backed down the carpeted way." he remarked. "The work. with which every son of my Empire regards the future. Baron Von Ragastein. "We met some years ago in Munich. nodded understandingly. You will take your place with the gentlemen of my suite in the retiring-room. the sentence of exile under which you suffer shall be rescinded. The Kaiser was already bending once more over the map. "I sympathise with you." he declared. Seaman. "I acknowledge no former meetings with any one in this country." Dominey replied stiffly." Dominey rose. by his side. who was waiting outside the door of the anteroom." he said. Seaman. You will not be recalled to the Presence until we set you down. The train had already started. Baron. scars upon his face." The young man's face cleared. One. "You are certainly a good actor. more especially those who surround my person. "Even your German has become a little English. Baron." "Your Majesty is too good. You sorrow because your back is now to Berlin. Dominey gazed thoughtfully out of the window. remember this. I think that they.

a companion in great deeds! Hoch!"
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. who had now seated himself opposite to Dominey. raised his glass and bowed." A smiling steward. "whose acquaintance I regret not having made before to-day. a brother in arms. made his appearance and served them with beer in tall glasses.claim a place amongst them. in black livery with white facings. May we soon welcome him back. "To the Baron Von Ragastein. none of your friends and equals have ever regarded in the same light as His Imperial Majesty." he said. The senior officer there.

at the corner of the long wood which stretched from the ridge of hills behind almost to the kitchen gardens of the Hall." was the easy reply. to watch the progress of the beaters through the wood. is well on to his birds. four other guns were posted. That foreign Prince. The old keeper." he declared. don't they?" Dominey remarked. "I do not understand sport." the old man assented. and though they streamed over his head like starlings. some months after his return from Germany. At a reasonable distance on his left. watching a high cock pheasant come crashing down over their heads.Chapter
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Sir Everard Dominey." he observed. he'd nowt but a few cripples to show for his morning's work. stood one afternoon. "and no one but a Dominey seems to have learnt the knack of dealing with them proper. sir. on the other. But I do know this: there is an old man who has lived on this land since
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. sir. "They do that. Baronet. curiously out of place in his dark grey suit and bowler hat. gave up this corner one day to Lord Wendermere. "I mind when the Squire. leaning on his ash stick and listening to the approach of the beaters. but I wouldn't trust him at this corner. Seaman turned to his companion. was softly garrulous and very happy. "I am not a sportsman." "Come out with a bit of a twist from the left. You seem to have developed the Dominey touch even in killing pheasants. "You are a miracle. On one side of him stood Middleton. Seaman. the latest and most popular recruit to Norfolk sporting society." The old man moved off a few paces to some higher ground. so they say. "My friend. and there was a note of genuine admiration in his tone. whom folks called one of the finest pheasant shots in England. "That do seem right to have a Squire Dominey at this corner." "You must remember that I have shot higher ones in Hungary. repeating his late exploit. your father." Seaman admitted. whom time seemed to have cured of all his apprehensions.

"I told Henry I shouldn't stop with him another moment." he said." Dominey explained. are you not? I saw him bring down a nice cock just now." Dominey replied." he assented. where Mr. Mangan was displaying an altogether different standard of proficiency. She mistook me for some one else. "She is coming down for a few days." The Duchess was very smartly tailored in clothes of brown leather mixture." he said. "I am not certain that you have told me all that you know concerning the Princess's visit. "She seems to share the Duke's dislike of me. a few days after I landed in England." "That twist of the birds. So far as regards the birds. and they seem to be flying more to the left than they really are. and we parted with the usual apologies. The wood ends on the slant. "Her Grace is coming." Seaman was thoughtful for a brief space of time. "although I think you are a little hard on him. It is a fault which I will repair presently. "I am afraid that she will be bored to death." Dominey nodded." He strolled away to the next stand." she declared. and seemed for a moment intent on watching the flight of a pigeon which kept tantalisingly out of range. "The first time we ever met." he admitted. then. who has watched you shoot. I met her the same night at Carlton House Terrace—she is related to the
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. "My friend." "Henry is not keen. turned around and killed a hare. They are all going home." she said." "Where did you become so friendly with her?" his cousin asked curiously." Dominey frowned. The Duchess came up to Dominey a few minutes later. it really does not matter. "is simply a local superstition. "that Stephanie is coming to-day." Seaman gazed steadfastly for a moment along the side of the wood. "I have not. "I hear.the day of his birth. with a certain note of challenge in his tone. She was looking very well but a little annoyed. The Princess Eiderstrom arrives this afternoon. Just one word before I go. warned by the keeper's shout. reverently. "was in the Carlton grill room. "He has fired off about forty cartridges and wounded one hare. and she is too great a lady to conceal her feelings. and finds even the way you hold your gun familiar. She wore thick shoes and gaiters and a small hat. "You are right." Dominey remarked.

are you not. "She mistook you for a Baron Leopold Von Ragastein." "Yes." his companion observed a little petulantly. "Not guilty." he said. Caroline?" "I'm generally right. during the short time I was in town. I remember now. He fought a duel with her husband and killed him. dear. He is absolutely the only German I ever met whom one felt instinctively to be a gentleman. "That is another of the little surprises you seem to have all ready dished up for us." she begged. "I saw you smile." he pleaded." she declared. The beaters were through the wood." Caroline continued drily." Dominey picked up his shooting-stick and handed his gun to Middleton. politically and as a sportsman. is there? Mr." Dominey declared a little impatiently.—Now what are you smiling at?" Dominey turned a perfectly serious face towards her." "I still don't see why it was necessary to invite her here. "Yes. "She may—call you Leopold again!"
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. "Von Ragastein was her lover in Hungary. The Kaiser was furious and banished him to East Africa. "I think he's charming." "Don't get annoyed. He is very interested in East Africa." "It was just a quaint thought. resting her fingers for a moment upon his coat sleeve. You are rather sweeping. my partner in one or two mining enterprises. Henry declares that he must be either a fool or a knave. "She addressed me as Leopold.Terniloffs—and we came across one another pretty often after that. How on earth did you become so friendly with the German Ambassador?" Dominey smiled tolerantly. Seaman. Our conversations seemed to interest him and led to a certain intimacy—of which I may say that I am proud. "He cannot imagine a German who feasts with any one else but the devil. took me to call upon him." he replied. "Really. "there is not anything so very extraordinary about it." "So have I. I have the greatest respect and liking for the Prince." "Well?" "Do you know whom she mistook you for in the Carlton grill room?" "Tell me?" he answered evasively. "I admire the Prince immensely." Caroline agreed.—"To return to the subject of Stephanie." the Duchess murmured meditatively." "Henry is blinded by prejudice.

A flight of wild duck were put out from a pool in the wood. Seaman. especially as this is practically a bachelor establishment. "Next to Lord Roberts. and the two women are devoted to one another. with mock alarm." she complained."If she does." "Well. with a smile. you never met her until that day at the Carlton!" "She was a complete stranger to me." "You are not suggesting that she intends seriously to put me in the place of my double?" Dominey asked. There's that other horrible little man. "But seriously." "It sounds very pathetic. The Princess hates shooting parties." "Bosh! Stephanie will monopolise you all the time! That's what's she's coming for. she is a cousin of the Princess Terniloff. She always seems to be making mysterious references to some sentimental past in which you both are concerned.
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. I shouldn't wonder! And she's an extraordinarily attractive woman." "I am really sorry about that. You know that the very sight of him makes Henry furious. you must admit that the situation is a little awkward for Henry. Henry is practically the leader of the National Service movement here." Caroline assented." Dominey asserted. and for which there can be no foundation at all except your supposed likeness to her exiled lover." Dominey assured her. Why. I'm full of complaints. I am quite sure that he never expected to sit down at the same table with him." They had arrived at the next stand. and in a small house party like this we meet the German Ambassador and a man who is working hard to lull to sleep the very sentiments which Henry is endeavouring to arouse. I shall be deaf. "but even Henry likes Terniloff. "Oh. he hates Germany and distrusts every German he ever met. "Then all I can say is that you have been unusually rapid if you've managed to create a past in something under three months!" Caroline pronounced suspiciously. and he particularly asked to have him here. Everard. and conversation was temporarily suspended. "I call her coming here a most bare-faced proceeding. "but you see His Excellency takes a great interest in him on account of this Friendship League." Dominey promised." "Of course he likes Terniloff. of which Seaman is secretary. "but he hates the things he stands for. so I thought they could entertain one another. However." Dominey admitted. I'd have forgiven you everything if only Stephanie weren't coming. That woman is really beginning to irritate me. and after all it is stimulating to meet one's opponents sometimes.

" he answered. sir. "as I was saying to this gentleman here. Middleton touched his hat and turned to Seaman." "Have we stumbled up against a local superstition?" the Duke enquired. early this morning." "Do you think Sir Everard shoots as well as he did before he went to Africa?" Caroline asked. "most of the pheasants went into that gloomy-looking wood just across the marshes. your Grace. Sir Everard.and for a few minutes every one was busy. The old fear was back again. Middleton watched his master with unabated approval. His eyes were filled with that vague horror of the supernatural common amongst the peasant folk of various localities. was affable and even loquacious. "That's true very few can touch 'em when they're coming out nigh to the pheasants." There was a moment's rather curious silence. What do you think. "You wouldn't put the beaters in there. who was standing in the background. "and I am rather afraid that the pheasants who find their way there claim sanctuary." There was a glint of admiration in Seaman's eyes. "We call that the Black Wood. Dominey had turned and was looking towards the wood in question. They can't believe in the speed of 'em. his usual pallor chased away by the bracing wind and the pleasure of the sport. I'd have known his touch on a gun anywhere." Terniloff observed diffidently. Middleton had dropped some game he was carrying and was muttering to himself. or should we do through the home copse?" "If I might make a suggestion. He's cooler like and swings more level. "not that there's one of them would go. and the little party of guns gossiped together while the game was collected. Middleton?" The old man turned his head slowly and looked at his master.
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. as though fascinated by its almost sinister-like blackness and density. "You're most as good as the old Squire with them high duck." he said. "Would you care about a partridge drive. Middleton glanced at his hornrimmed watch. The beaters came through the wood." Dominey said calmly." he said. every scrap of colour seemed to have faded out of his bronzed face. "There's another hour's good light. "Better. His voice shook. He had great estates of his own in Saxony and was explaining to the Duke his manner of shooting them. though. Terniloff. Squire?" he faltered. Somehow or other.

your Grace. Prince.—Here. "Have I. Squire. sir. clad in rough smocks and breeches and carrying thick sticks." he said." Middleton announced. The poor man has no memory. "who wants to know if you'd go through the Black Wood of Dominey for a sovereign apiece?—Watch their faces." He turned to the beaters. "Get round to the back of Hunt's stubbles. "There's one of the gentlemen here. There was a note of distress in her tone. "Henry. if you paid him red gold for it. I'll see if I can flank them. "Them birds do break at Fuller's corner. by chance. I'm so sorry. Everard. stalwart men for the most part. who were standing waiting for instructions a few yards away. I doubt whether there's a beater in all Norfolk would go through the Black Wood. Just for one moment I had forgotten. You'll know where to put the guns." he said." Middleton replied. "I'm one as 'as seen it. Middleton?" The keeper touched his hat and stepped briskly off." "I am deeply grieved. "I'll just have a walk with them myself. Their backs were towards the Black Wood. One of them touched his hat and spoke to Dominey." he promised. How is that. Then he turned to the beaters. Near that wood occurred the tragedy which drove me from England for so many years. no one is going to ask you to go to the Black Wood. "There is no reason why you should not know the truth. sir." Dominey nodded."That's not altogether local." he replied. There were a dozen of them. One and all the beaters were walking with most unaccustomed speed towards their destination. The very suggestion seemed to have taken the healthy sunburn from their cheeks. "I'd sooner give up my farm than go nigh the place." the Prince began—
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." Caroline suddenly passed her arm through Dominey's. addressing them. lads?" There was no possibility of any mistake. and bring them into the roots and then over into the park. Terniloff came up to his host. "It was my fault. your Grace. "as the Squire himself will tell you. We will line the park fence.—Now then. They fumbled with their sticks uneasily. been terribly tactless?" he asked. you're an idiot!" she exclaimed. I ought to have stopped Henry at once. you lads. as well as heard." Dominey's arm responded for a moment to the pressure of her fingers. "You asked a perfectly natural question. Dominey shook his head. "Well.

"Sir Everard." Dominey replied. Every sort of vermin abounds there. "you promised to tell me of some of your days with a shotgun
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." Terniloff was at once too fascinated by the story and puzzled by his host's manner of telling it to maintain his apologetic attitude." The Prince. "My own memory as to the end of our fight is uncertain." he murmured." Dominey interrupted." "Has any one ever seen it?" "One or two of the villagers." "They absolutely believe the place to be haunted. "My impression is that I left my assailant unconscious upon the ground. where I believe that no human being for many years has dared to penetrate. We fought. but the Duke touched him on the arm and drew him to one side. I imagine. "I regret my faux pas most deeply. The man with whom I fought has never been seen since. no one else." Dominey continued. "the details of that story are inextricably mixed up with the insanity of Lady Dominey. My condition terrified my wife so much that she has been an invalid ever since." he went on. But here is the point which has given birth to all these superstitions. appeared shocked. and I reached home in a somewhat alarming state. "Our locals say that somewhere in the heart of the wood." he explained." "Then it is his ghost. "The wood itself. as though to call his attention to the sea fogs which were rolling up from the marshes. "Never seen since!" he repeated. every unclean insect and bird are to be found in the thickets. "is a noisome place. who haunts the Black Wood?" Dominey shook himself as one who would get rid of an unwholesome thought. I am sure you understand. to the best of my belief. There are quagmires even in the middle of it. then?" "The superstition goes further. where a man may sink in and be never heard of again. a diplomatist to his fingertips. I suppose the character of the place has encouraged the local superstition in which every one of those men firmly believes. Prince."It is false sentiment to avoid allusions to it. "I was attacked there one night by a man who had some cause for offence against me." Dominey continued. and which made me for many years a suspected person. there is living in the spiritual sense some sort of a demon who comes out only at night and howls underneath my windows. although a furtive smile still lingered upon his lips." he whispered. "Prince. Terniloff seemed on the point of asking more questions. as they walked along.

with a catapult. Terniloff by the gate. and I shall be just beyond towards the oak clump.in South Africa. Mangan next. Will you walk with me. "Everard.—Do you mind crouching down a little now? I am going to blow the whistle. when I was telling it I had the same feeling. I could even have imagined you were telling it about some one else. "Do you know. If you will stand just a few paces there to the left. Stillwell up by the left-hand corner. Caroline?" His cousin took his arm as they walked off and pressed it." she said. You did a simple and a fine thing to tell the whole story." he said. "Curious that it should have struck you like that." he remarked."
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." Her host smiled enigmatically. Isn't there a bird there which corresponds with your partridges?" Dominey smiled. I congratulate you. "you could shoot anything of the sort that comes along in East Africa. Why. "You have conquered your nerve absolutely. "If you can kill the partridges which Middleton is going to send over in the next ten minutes. Henry. you were almost matter-of-fact. Eddy next.

" the Duke insisted. which included the Right Honourable Gerald Watson. "I am afraid they do not take to the idea very kindly in this part of the world. She was probably one of the only people present who was not aware of the Duke's foible. Besides the house party. who was seated at the opposite side of the table. Conversation remained chiefly local and concerned the day's sport and kindred topics." he added. where Stephanie. who sat at his side. "that you make a point of inculcating the principles of National Service into your tenantry here. at Dominey's left hand. her languorous grace of manner. Her eyes seldom left for long the other end of the table. It was not until towards the close of the meal that the Duke succeeded in launching his favourite bubble. There is not the slightest doubt." Lady Maddeley. "to alter their point of view. her marvellous jewellery. seemed more like one of the beauties of an ancient Venetian Court than a modern Hungarian Princess gowned in the Rue de la Paix. a recently appointed Cabinet Minister. the mahogany table which was its great glory was stretched that evening to its extreme capacity. there were several guests from the neighbourhood—the Lord Lieutenant of the County and other notabilities. looking belligerently over the top of his pince nez at Seaman. "that before long we shall find ourselves—and in a shocking state of unpreparedness. "Purely agricultural districts are always a little difficult. seemed a little startled." Dominey's reply was a little dubious." "It is your duty as a landowner.Chapter
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Even in the great dining-room of Dominey Hall. the wife of the Lord Lieutenant. "I trust. with her crown of exquisitely coiffured red-gold hair. Caroline." he said. with the Lord Lieutenant on one side of her and Terniloff on the other played the part of hostess adequately but without enthusiasm. raising his voice a little as he turned towards his host. mind you—at war with Germany." he confessed.
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. Everard.

Duke." The Duke groaned. and that sort of thing. "The Germans don't want a better understanding. He glanced down the table to be sure that Prince Terniloff was out of hearing. They only want to fool us into believing that they do. I have also the honour to be the secretary of a society for the promotion of a better understanding between the citizens of Germany and England. "that the war with Germany of which the Duke is so afraid will never come. A great many of them will be just as surprised as you will be. "His Grace and I." he declared. In this country it is very hard for us to strike a balance between the two. madam. statesmen who place economic progress first. "are old opponents on this subject. however. the people will have had nothing to do with it. it is such ill-advised and ill-founded statements as you are
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. "You may be an honest man." Seaman." "We are indeed. who had kept silence during the last few moments with great difficulty. "The Germans seem such civilised people." "Rubbish!" the Duke exclaimed." "You are probably both right in your way. so peaceful and domestic in their home life. "There is no doubt a war party in Germany and a peace party. When the war comes. Seaman. "I have friends." Dominey intervened." he observed. who are continually encouraging my work here." Seaman beamed his thanks upon his host." the Duke agreed. very much in the manner of a well-bred host making his usual effort to smooth over two widely divergent points of view. although naturalised in this country. and I have received the benediction of the Kaiser himself upon my efforts to promote a better feeling in this country. I speak with some amount of knowledge because I am a German by birth." he said. and with the exception of my recent absence in Africa." Seaman looked a little pained."Do you really think so?" she asked. "Permit me to assure you. I have as many and as dear friends in Berlin as in London. Mr. "in the very highest circles of Germany. "My dear Lady Maddeley. where I had the pleasure to meet our host. and others who are tainted with a purely military lust for conquest. now took up the Duke's challenge. "Germany is not governed like England. but you are a very ignorant one upon this particular topic. bowing across the table. He stuck to his guns. but they will fight all the same. And if you will forgive my saying so." he said impressively. I spent a great part of my time going back and forth between the two capitals.

"The Duke sometimes forgets. Stephanie and her host made a slow progress through the hall and picture gallery." "I have my views. Prince!" she said." he begged. and Seaman." Caroline flashed a warning glance at her husband.
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." the Duke snapped. "how you English women have been able to secure for yourselves so much more liberty than our German wives enjoy?" "Later on. an indescribable and an abominable crime. however." "There isn't a more vital subject in the world. that a private dinner table is not a platform. For some time their conversation was engaged solely with the objects to which Dominey drew his companion's attention. resigning himself." she said. and I will venture to add in my ambassadorial capacity that I come with an absolute and heartfelt mandate of peace. "I have a surprise for you.constantly making about my country which is the only bar to a better understanding between us. My task over here is to secure and ensure it. with a touch which amazed every one. Then I will remember what I represent over here." "You will tell me. "We will speak. with a little tremble in her voice. I shall continue to express them at all times and with all the eloquence at my command. drew strange music from the yellow keys of the oldfashioned grand piano in the drawing-room." Stephanie whispered to her host. "of the way in which our host brought down those tall pheasants. "and express my well-studied opinion that war between our two countries would be simply race suicide. to silence. perhaps." the Duke declared. Dominey's guests passed naturally enough to the relaxations which each preferred. There were two bridge tables. I insist upon it that we discuss something of more genuine interest. to whom portions of this conversation had now become audible. Terniloff and the Cabinet Minister played billiards. Stephanie's fingers tightened upon her companion's arm." Dominey hesitated and looked behind. "without the possibility of any one overhearing." the Ambassador suggested. "and they have become convictions. "I wish to speak to you alone. however. leaned a little forward in his place." The Ambassador. of any of the other guests. "Let me speak first as a private individual. When they had passed out of possible hearing. "How nice of you to be so frank." Seaman suggested to the lady to his right." After dinner. in the pursuit of his hobby.

alas! my heart is still bruised. "Now turn them all out again except this one. There I received a great surprise. half inclined to expose you before I went as an impostor and a charlatan." She laughed at him with a curious mixture of tenderness and bitterness." she directed. No. "to one who is not present."
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. Please seat yourself by my side. "Will you please listen to me. her head resting slightly upon her long fingers. The furthermost corners of the room. Princess. with its many wings of book-filled shelves." she continued a little impatiently. however. on which a log was burning. I choose this settee. She paused for so long. There was an atmosphere about her of serious yet of tender things. "For one moment. besides your name. "and in any case I am one of them. looked down into the shadows of the room and back again at her host's face. "Leopold." she began. with some slight disquietude. were illuminated. "Serious but wonderful. and I was therefore compelled to present myself at Potsdam. her brown eyes steadily fixed upon her companion. "You are speaking. lifting her eyes to his. feeling that you were a brute."Your guests are well occupied." he said calmly. "I left this country a few weeks ago. Dominey's face seemed to fall into more rigid lines as he realised the appeal of her eyes. determined never to see you again." She paused. "My friend." Dominey did as he was bidden. but her companion made no sign. "and wheel me up an easy-chair. She nodded. To proceed it suited my convenience to remain for a few days in Berlin. She made her way to the great open fireplace. that speech became necessary. I meant to go home and never to return to London. I wish to be sure that we are alone. My heart was bruised. and I was very unhappy." "Is this going to be serious?" he asked. and though." she continued." Dominey threw open the door of the library and turned on a couple of the electric lights. "turn on all the lights. Germany means little to me. he helped me to understand. how much of humanity you have lost in your new identity. My name is no longer Leopold." she murmured. Wilhelm spoke to me of you. I claim your attention." she begged. "I am terrified to think. and a patriotism which took no account of human obligations left me absolutely unresponsive. Leopold?" She was half curled up in a corner of the settee.

He asked me. which he seemed to appreciate all the more as you were sent there an exile. Your union shall be blessed by the Church and approved by my Court. although he accepted the letter with reluctant fingers. There was neither beginning or ending. She watched him. Leopold. Wilhelm understands and forgives." she added. and as I must remain yet for months to come—Everard
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. He broke the seal unwillingly and drew out the letter. dropping her voice a little. He spoke also with warm commendation of your labours in Africa." she proceeded. She passed it to him." He shook his head. Wilhelm was much impressed by your recent visit to him. straggling handwriting to Sir Everard Dominey. It was addressed in a strange. It was dated barely a fortnight back. and by the way in which you have established yourself here. and he has sent you this letter. and how it must last with me—to the end. with faint but somewhat resentful irony." she whispered. "Read the superscription. Leopold." She drew a small grey envelope from her pocket. how he literally threw himself upon the point of your sword. "I told him how it all began. "For that I owe to you my thanks. his words instinct with the graceless cruelty of a clown. "Leopold. We spoke even of the duel. I told him what both your seconds had explained to me. Conrad's wild lunge.—that turn of the wrist. He obeyed her. just a couple of sentences scrawled across the thick notepaper: "It is my will that you offer your hand in marriage to the Princess Stephanie of Eiderstrom." she went on. On the seal were the Imperial Hohenzollern arms. Baronet. "Can it be. "Not on your knees yet?" she asked." Dominey's face remained unrelaxed." she directed." he declared. "if my feelings towards you remained unchanged. Persistently he refused the challenge of her eyes. "I was taken back into favour at Court. She ignored his words. "WILHELM. Has the love gone?" Even to himself his voice sounded harsh and unnatural." Dominey sat as a man enthralled with silence."Is this wise?" he asked a little desperately. that you have lost your love for me? You have changed so much and in so many ways. "Think! I am as I have been addressed here. "This is not practical. "I told him the truth. "please read that.

"Oh! yours is a great task. an Englishman and the owner of this house—the husband of Lady Dominey. can take advantage of this mandate?" She looked at him wonderingly. "and further. having already. her eyes shining up into his. "what has changed you like this? What has dried up all the passion in you? You are a different man. At least your lips—your arms! My heart is starved." She caught him by the shoulders." He rose to his feet. dragged him underneath the electric globe. Until that time your lover must be dumb. dragged his face down to hers and clenched her fist the next moment as though she would have struck it. Leopold!" she implored.Dominey. you whose tears have fallen before now upon my hand. Her hurt eyes regarded him wonderingly. "Not so hard—not so hard." She unwound her arms and shivered slightly." "I ask you to consider the suspicions which would be excited by such a course. frowning. "Have pity on me. can you explain to me in what way I. and stood there gazing into his face. Through the closed door came the faint wave of conversation and laughter from outside. Let me look at you. Her arms were still twined about his neck. Stephanie. her eyes were seeking to rend the mask from his face. her lips hungry for his kisses. "Leopold." "Where is your reputed wife?" Stephanie demanded." he replied. "Until our time has come there is dishonour even in a single kiss. Wait for the day." she faltered." he begged. Her breathing was uneven. Leopold. She spoke incoherently. "In the nursing home where she has been for the last few months. according to belief of everybody. "dead until the coming of great events may bring him to life again.
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." Dominey pleaded earnestly. She cannot remain there much longer. "You make difficulties? You sit there like the cold Englishman whose place you are taking." Dominey interrupted. but we have his permission—there can be found a way—we could be married secretly. and you must carry it through to the end. the day you know of." "You must insist upon it that she does. passionately. She broke down with a storm of tears. "She has already practically recovered." Then her anger blazed out. The great log upon the hearth was spluttering and fizzing. another wife living. whose lips—" "You speak of one who is dead.

to him a very angel of deliverance. that you have been kindness itself to her. His back was towards the door. "Tell me that?" Her eyes were following the shadowed picture which had passed out of the room. You wouldn't dare—" "No. the strong man. Sir Everard." the newcomer declared. "There were no women in Africa. that her health has improved since your coming. the tremulous lips. the love-seeking light in those pleading dark eyes. your reputed wife—they tell me that she is beautiful. He saw once more the slight. He felt the clinging touch of those soft fingers laid upon his. good-humoured face. "Something has happened which I thought you ought to know at once." "Then what are you looking at?" she demanded. He swung around to find Seaman standing upon the threshold—Seaman." he interrupted. Can you spare me a moment?" The Princess swept past them without a word of farewell or a backward glance. so cruelly and drearily stifled through a cycle of years. "I should not dare. the sweetness of those marvellously awakened emotions. "What is it that has happened?" Dominey demanded. She had the carriage and the air of an insulted queen. This Rosamund Dominey. The woman's passion by his side seemed suddenly tawdry and unreal. girlish form. "I am indeed sorry to intrude."Can you have learnt to care for any one else?" she muttered. the seeking of her lips for his something horrible. with a shade of genuine concern on his round. A shade of deeper trouble came into Seaman's face as he stepped respectfully to one side." was the quiet reply. that she adores you. "Lady Dominey has returned.
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. the whole sweet appeal for safety from a frightened child to him. and it was her cry of angry dismay which first apprised him of a welcome intruder.

tired eyes of the woman who was standing before the log fire in a little recess of the main hall." "Is it very wrong of me?" Rosamund asked. By her side stood a pleasant. Her whole expression changed as Dominey came hastily towards her with outstretched hands." he exclaimed. especially Nurse Alice here. who passed by just now." he assured her cheerfully. so Mrs. "welcome home!" "Welcome?" she repeated. "I had a sudden feeling that I must get back here. She looked very angry. Coulson. "with red hair. with a glad catch in her throat. but they weren't quite the same thing. half of apprehension. a yard or two behind. a maid carrying a jewel case. half of hope. and I believe he is away. To-morrow you must make friends with them all. flashed upon him from the strange. Rosamund. unfortunately. I wanted to see you again. "You mean it?" With a self-control of which he gave no sign. "Of course I mean it.Chapter
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It seemed to Dominey that he had never seen anything more pathetic than that eager glance. we telegraphed to Doctor Harrison. thought it best to let her have her own way about coming. That was not because I have come?"
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. "My dear child. friendly looking person in the uniform of a nurse. he touched the lips which were raised so eagerly to his as tenderly and reverently as though this were some strange child committed to his care." she said timidly. nurse?" "Her ladyship has had no sleep for two nights. had been standing with her foot upon the fender." he answered heartily. Every one has been so sweet and kind at Falmouth. clinging to Dominey's arm." "There was a very beautiful woman. "She has been so much better that we dreaded the thought of a relapse. who had thrown back her veil. our matron. "They will be your guests. Instead of telegraphing to you. You are not angry? These people who are staying here will not mind?" "Of course not. "But what possessed you to come without giving us notice? How was this." the latter replied.

Be very kind to me. You will be better-looking still when you have been here for a few months. Everard. she broke away from him and tripped on with the gaiety almost of a child to the door of her room. "Please rub it. "Oh. "I think. but this is wonderful!" she cried." he told her. Several maids were there. "And you dear. I am going to have some supper up here with nurse."Why should it be?" he answered. "You have a right here—a better right than any one. as they reached the corridor." she sighed. yet still with that gleam of aloofness in her eyes. "And that picture of me from the drawing-room. busy with a refractory fire and removing the covers from the furniture.—I shall call you Everard. "I'm not so nice as that now. I shall love to help you entertain. You have no idea how much better I am. "I shall be just what you want me to be. "You dear thing! What made you bring that up?" "I wanted to have it here. the room was warm and comfortable. Rosamund held up her foot for him to feel. can't I." The maid was slowly unfastening her mistress's boots. She threw herself with a little cry of delight into the huge Chesterfield drawn up to the edge of the hearthrug. Will you take me upstairs. "You have not changed in the least. on the table!" she cried. and tell me who is here and all about the people. until you come up to bed?" she pleaded. a little wistfully. "See how cold I am!" she complained. Will one of you maids please go down and see about it? What a lot of nice new things you have. Then came a little cry of disappointment as she flung open the door. "Do not believe it. and they say that I play bridge ever so well. "Everard." She leaned heavily on his arm and even loitered on the way. A bright fire was burning in the grate. looking around. her eyes suddenly soft with joy. "Oh. Finally." She looked at him almost shyly—tenderly. what shall I do?" He threw open the door of his own apartment." She drew a long sigh of contentment.
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. "I can stay here." she murmured. "And then you can sit and talk to me. but the room was half full of smoke and entirely unprepared." he answered. how miserable!" she exclaimed. All my music has come back to me. but her steps grew lighter as they approached her own apartment. Everard!" she added. mayn't I?—you look just as I hoped you might. please? Nurse. you can follow us. I think you could make me just what you want.

Your own hands are quite cold. Lady Dominey seems disposed to offer to you the affection which. my friend. "you know very well that when we walk in the great paths of life I am unscrupulous. "Where is Lady Dominey?" he asked. and. He waited until he had regained his self-possession. "that you are placed in a delicate and trying position. He courted no offence." Seaman's manner was unusually grave. The good-humoured smile played no longer about his lips. "Forgive me now. led him to a great settee in a dark corner. "My friend. In those other hours. she doubtless felt for her husband. I would shrug my shoulders and stand on one side. "I suppose it is because I have been ill so long. "I will admit. just as she is tender-hearted. She is still weak-minded. I watched her as she passed through the hall with you just now." Dominey made his escape and went reeling down the corridor. "You look pale. stretching her arms out to him." A light flashed in Dominey's eyes. Seaman's manner. At a gesture he waited for him. however.—I love women." "And help you?" "And help me. the click of billiard balls." she added anxiously. but this mad Englishman's wife. "If you were to take advantage of your position with—with any other.please. notwithstanding their troubles together. For the moment angry words seemed to tremble upon his lips. You're not ill. taking him by the arm. or rather his widow. From downstairs he could hear the sound of pleasantly raised voices. waiting until her own is prepared. She turns to you for love as a flower
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. I risk your anger." he assured her. as he was on the point of descending. but I warn you to be very careful how you encourage her. Everard?" "I am very well. "In my room. Then. was very gentle. won't you." he said. if I hurry away. has been mentally ill." she begged. Seaman had lost his usual blitheness. the music of a piano in the distance. struggling to keep his voice steady. To-morrow you must come and see them all. he saw Seaman mounting the stairs. too. waited until he came. There are guests here—rather important guests. but I feel so helpless." "Well?" Dominey muttered." the other continued. alas! I have a weakness. At the top of the great quadrangular landing he stopped and stood with halfclosed eyes for several moments. and I love your strength and I want you to take care of me.

He was conscious even of regarding him with a greater feeling of kindness than ever before. His companion's words excited no sentiment of anger." Dominey confessed. a discarded thing! There is no doubt whatever. too. You can devote yourself to me with a perfectly clear conscience. May I have a whisky and soda?" "Bring me one. And a handful of those Turkish cigarettes. For the present. "My friend. a broken and. would provide all the elements for a Palais Royal farce. And there remains our own sentimental little flirtation. you are a man of honour." Caroline begged. Von Ragastein." he said. spoke of a speedy visit to her. please. however difficult it may become." "Exactly why?" he demanded. The Princess Eiderstrom has brought me an autograph letter from the Kaiser. that you are a very bad lot. Your return to England appears to have done what we understood to be impossible—restored your wife's reason. and expressed themselves as delighted to hear of her return and recovery. commanding me to marry her. A fiery-headed Hungarian Princess has pursued you down here. but I am thirsty. after a somewhat agitated evening I must admit that I find it pleasant to talk with some one who is not wielding the lightnings. wet weather. I have said the words which were thumping against the walls of my heart." she continued. too. "but all the same. "Your devotion to my sex." Seaman declared grimly. "but for its serious side. "you have shown me that you are conscious of one dilemma in which I find myself placed. Everard. They all left messages for Lady Dominey." "You are distressing me terribly. As the last car rolled away.to the sun after a long spell of cold. alas. Caroline took her host's arm and led him to a chimney seat by the huge log fire in the inner hall. "you really are a very terrible person. Some of the local guests were preparing to make their departure. Let me now advise you of another. Your most
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. however. and Dominey was in time to receive their adieux. you have duties below. "I fear that it will seriously impair the note which I had intended to strike in our conversation." "The situation." Their descent was opportune. "is flattering but far too catholic." Dominey had recovered from his first wave of weakness. and which I confess is exercising me to the utmost. "My dear Everard." she said. and has now gone to her room in a tantrum because you left her side for a few minutes to welcome your wife. You must find means to deal with this situation.

" she commented. "As a matter of curiosity. "why?" "To begin with. on the contrary. and quite as much wine as was good for you at dinner time. you were sweetness itself." "Always gibing at me. although you are a wonderful host." Dominey grumbled.distinguished guest has found a task after his own heart. all these things. "when you ladies are well out of the way! Some more of the good. Mangan. "There was a time." she went on. please?" "You carry yourself so much more stiffly. Sometimes you have the air of being surprised that you are not in uniform." he reflected. "you have become almost a precisian in your speech. He has got Henry in a corner of the billiard-room and is trying to convince him of what I am sure the dear man really believes himself—that Germany's intentions towards England are of a particularly dove-like nature." she admitted. before that terrible tragedy—the last time you stayed at Dunratter—when I didn't gibe. "I cured myself of that by reading aloud in the bush. Go on. then?" She looked him in the eyes." "Shocking habit. to say nothing of my broken heart." "Trifles. You used to be rather slangy at times." He turned away to reach for his whisky and soda." he told her. "and I think that the way you have come back and faced it all is simply
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. Now." she murmured. raising her eyes for a moment. "I think it was then for the first time that I saw traces of something in you which I suppose accounts for your being what you are to-day." "You should see me at the port. then." she admitted. "that you are the same man. "That was a wonderful month. "You used to drink whiskys and sodas at all hours of the day." "You think that I have changed. "I sometimes find it difficult to believe." "What else?" "You used always to clip your final g's. Everard. and Eddy Pelham is playing billiards with Mr. Every one is happy." "When. you scarcely take anything yourself." he murmured. "Not always. She sighed reminiscently." she answered quietly. "Now for something serious?" "The serious things are pretty good." he asked. You can devote yourself to soothing my wounded vanity." he declared. please?" "All your best qualities seem to have come to the surface. Your Right Honourable guest has gone to bed.

almost a dramatic interruption." "There is one thing more. Tell me. if that man's body should be discovered after all these years. "Who on earth can be coming here at this time of night!" Instinctively they both rose to their feet. Dominey leaned forward and with a pair of small tongs replaced the burning wood upon the fire." she said. white from head to foot.wonderful. Caroline. Unthank. She is very frail. I must say that the weekly reports I have received from the nursing home quite prepared me for a great improvement. Tell me about Rosamund's return. Through the silence of the hall there pealed the summons of the great bell which hung over the front door. "Midnight!" he exclaimed. didn't you? I think that you needed sympathy. Forget it. his hair tossed with the wind. please. and here I am asking you once more that horrible question. A manservant had turned the great key. Doctor Harrison!" Dominey cried. There came a curious. and following them the figure of a man. "I do not think so. and her eyes still have that restless look. but she talks quite coherently. To my surprise I hear that she is still living in the village. almost unrecognisable after his struggle. Then there was silence. "I am so sorry." Caroline began hesitatingly. Talk to me like your old dear self. That one thing lacked forever the clothing of words. "Everard dear. "Why." Dominey replied. Little flakes of snow and a gust of icy wind swept into the hall. taking a quick step forward. "What brings you here at this time of night!"
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. drawn the bolts. do you think?" "I saw her only for a few minutes. "but she seemed to me absolutely better. Suddenly he felt his hands clasped by his companion's. Is she really recovered. Dominey glanced at the clock in amazement." "Everard." "And your ghost?" "Not a single howl all the time that Rosamund has been away." "Well?" "Did you kill Roger Unthank?" A portion of the burning log fell on to the hearth. You came to me a little tired to-night." "What about that horrible woman?" "I have pensioned Mrs. and opened the door with difficulty. They heard the click of the billiard balls in the adjoining room. would you be charged with manslaughter?" He shook his head.

"
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. I had to see you—at once. They relieved him of his coat and dragged him towards the fire. "I must apologise for disturbing you at such an hour. "I have only just received Lady Dominey's telegram. and the melting snow was pouring from his clothes on to the oak floor. as he took the tumbler which Dominey pressed into his hand. He was out of breath." he said.The doctor leaned upon his stick for a moment.

You seem to have got rid of every one of your bad habits. there are certain obvious changes in you which might well minister to Lady Dominey's hallucination. except for one hallucination. during which time you have reveled an entirely new personality. This is not at all what one
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. "Although I would not have allowed her to have left the nursing home so suddenly had I known." the doctor began. "Sir Everard. I had intended to-morrow morning to discuss the situation with you. "Can a person be perfectly sane." "And this one hallucination?" "That you are not her husband." the doctor replied. Lady Dominey. "My report is good. For instance." "I am most anxious to hear your report. you have been in England now some eight months. there was nothing to keep her there." was the confident answer. with his usual bluntness." Dominey was silent for a moment. friends of distinction and interest." he asked.Chapter
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The doctor. and I am going to be perfectly frank with you. "I can. where your personality could be the only inducement." the doctor answered bluntly. is in perfect health. and you have collected around you. did not hesitate to make it known that this unusual visit was of a private nature. and the two men were left alone in the great hall. you have subdued your violent temper. "To begin with then. it is up to you to dispel it." Dominey said. The lights in the billiard-room and drawing-room were extinguished. Caroline promptly withdrew. Then he laughed a little unnaturally. "and as for that hallucination." "Perhaps you can give me some advice?" Dominey suggested. Every one in the house except a few servants had retired. as a gentleman should. you drink moderately. mentally and physically. "and yet be subject to an hallucination which must make the whole of her surroundings seem unreal?" "Lady Dominey is perfectly sane. "this return of Lady Dominey's has taken me altogether by surprise.

expected from the Everard Dominey who scuttled out of England a dozen years ago. You have to remember that your wife needs still one step towards a perfect recovery. "She has been a longenduring and faithful woman. whilst still subject to that hallucination." the doctor said sternly. though. but it is my duty to warn you." Dominey remarked. He felt the doctor's keen grey eyes glowing from under his shaggy eyebrows as he leaned forward." Dominey set his teeth for a moment. brought on." "You are excusing my wife. and until that step has been surmounted you have a very difficult but imperative task." Dominey suggested quietly. Sir Everard." he went on.
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. Lady Dominey is naturally of an exceedingly affectionate disposition." "You've got it." the latter continued gravely. She speaks of the ghost of Roger Unthank. "You mean. It has now become her wish to take her proper place in life. "She needs no excuses. how can she do that?" "That is the problem you and I have to face. his hands upon his knees. I warn you. but we've got to deal with it—or rather you have." the doctor assented. She is quite conscious of her several attempts upon your life and bitterly regrets them. of his mysterious death. I can assure you. Sir Everard. "I do not pretend. I am here to-night." Dominey asked. and this return to a stronger condition of physical health and a fuller share of human feelings has probably reawakened all those tendencies which her growing fondness for you and your position as her reputed husband make perfectly natural. whilst still believing that you are not her husband. Like all good women. "to account for that." was the brusque reply. "It's a tangled-up position. that that devotion may lead her to great lengths." "But if her hallucination continues. is a view of the matter which I can neither discuss nor understand." Dominey pushed his chair back from the fire as though he felt the heat. suffering from a cruel illness. His eyes seemed glued upon the doctor's. "if she seriously doubts that I am indeed her husband. "The fact that your wife has been willing to return here to you. forgiveness is second nature to her. as parts of a painful past. of the cries in the night. "that until that hallucination has passed we must remain upon the same terms as we have done since my arrival home. to lay a charge upon you. Now we come to the real danger. to take the kindest view if it. "that all her other delusions have gone. through your clumsiness and lack of discretion. She appears to be possessed of a passionate devotion towards you.

If she woke up one morning with that hallucination still in her mind. He stood for a time by the dying fire." he admitted. "Supposing this hallucination of hers should pass? Supposing she should suddenly become convinced that I am her husband?" "In that case." "I am very grateful to you for coming. filled his pipe and stood up." Dominey said firmly. all our labours for these last months might well be wasted. "Very good of you to send me back. stirred uneasily by
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." the doctor promised. that you really are her lawful husband. "I appreciate every word you say." the doctor replied earnestly. "the position would be exactly reversed. with obvious sincerity." the doctor said gruffly. It was curious how both of them seemed disinclined to refer again even indirectly to the subject which they had been discussing." Dominey went on." Dominey replied. he wandered for some moments up and down the great." The doctor looked at him. "I am glad of it. A strange restlessness seemed to have fastened itself upon him. watching the grey ashes." Somehow they both seemed to feel that the last words had been spoken. but.that you may find your position an exceedingly difficult one. "I believe I can. but it was a drear walk across the marshes. You can rely upon me." "There is just one more phase of the position. The moment she realises. the doctor helped himself to a farewell drink. Left to himself. after a pause. difficult though it may be. and she herself might very possibly end her days in a madhouse. "Good night!" The two men parted. and curiously enough Dominey was conscious that with those few awkward words of farewell some part of the incipient antagonism between them had been buried." "Doctor. with a sigh of relief. Keep and encourage your wife's affection if you can. and any sense of guilt on her conscience. After a brief pause. "You will come and have a look at the patient in a day or two?" "I'll stroll across as soon as you've got rid of some of this houseful. but let it be a charge upon you that whilst the hallucination remains that affection must never pass certain bounds. with her present predispositions. Lady Dominey is a good and sweet woman. there is a plain duty before you. The car which Dominey had ordered from the garage was already standing at the door. "I started out all right. and it would be just as important for you not to check the affection which she might offer to you as it would be in the other case for you not to accept it. that moment will be the beginning of a new life for her. dimly lit hall.

he still lingered for a few moments in the corridor and turned the handle of his bedroom door with almost reluctant fingers. He felt himself immeshed in a world of cobwebs. and threw himself into an easy-chair. His heart was calling all the time for an unknown boon. the day by day tension of his precarious life. by means of the electric switches. mystically. and. the newly installed lights which hung above the sombre oil pictures upon the wall. It was some time before he realised that the volume was upside down. All the time a queer procession of women's faces was passing before his eyes—Caroline. and even when he had righted it. They were as though they had never been. He looked into the faces of some of these dead Domineys. He saw her as she had come to him last. Stephanie. and dwelling longest upon a gallant of the Stuart epoch. Her lips were parted in a delightful smile. and then. Then he suddenly felt that the madness which he had begun to fear had really come. he wrapped a dressing-gown around him. His heart gave a great jump as he realised that there was some one there. "You can go to bed. whose misdeeds had supplied material for every intimate chronicler of those days. with her voluptuous figure and passion-lit eyes. a book in his hand. trying to recall what he had heard of their history. It was his servant who was patiently awaiting his arrival. Then he strolled to a different part of the hall." The man silently took his leave. the words he saw had no meaning for him. He stood for a moment upon the threshold. with all the sweetness of life shining out of her eager face. "I shall not want you again to-night. of weakness more potent than all his boasted strength. a smile in
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. blotting the others utterly out of his thoughts and memory. however. actually pushed back by a pair of white hands. wonderfully. the soft withdrawal of the panel. then laughed shortly to himself at his foolish imagining. All other memories faded away. It was the thing for which he longed yet dreaded most—the faint click. Her eyes shone at him." he directed. still attired in his shirt and trousers. with her half-flirtatious. Those dreary years of exile in Africa. He was in no humour for sleep. were absolutely forgotten. with that little unspoken cry upon her tremulous lips. When at last the sight of a sleepy manservant hovering in the background forced his steps upstairs. We shoot in the morning.the wind which howled down the chimney. drew a reading lamp to his side. and Dominey commenced his preparations for bed. and the haunting appeal in her soft eyes. and one by one he turned on. Rosamund herself was there. Dickens. Rosamund. wholly sentimental bon camaraderie.

" she murmured contentedly." she continued eagerly." she confessed. "to be here alone with me?" She put her other arm around his neck and drew his face down. dear. Everard." she answered." He sat on the arm of her chair. "I cannot sleep. But. and when I feel you are near I am happy. but I know you are not. "but you are kind to me. She turned for a moment to close the panel. "Come and sit down. "Is it wrong of me to feel what I do for you." he asked. It is because I wanted to see you that I would not stay any longer at the nursing home. I am sure that I always loved you. dear. "You were not afraid. Now your head is wet. "I am happy. what is the matter? A moment ago you were cold. She responded to his embrace without hesitation. "Just for a moment. But how cold! You must come nearer to the fire yourself. then?" she asked. I wonder? You are so like yet so unlike him. Then she came towards him with her finger upraised. Even if I heard his ghost calling again to-night. Are you not happy because I am here?"
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. "I do not know. He is dead." "You are not afraid. "that I am your husband?" She sighed. "I am not afraid. he felt the warmth of her arm through her white. "Do you mind my coming for a few minutes?" "Of course not. I should have no fear." he assured her. I can't think why I ever wanted to hurt you. "Give me your hands." she assured him. Isn't it strange that I should know it? But I do!" "But who am I then?" he whispered. fur-lined dressing-gown. and she stroked his head with her hands. "Why do you doubt any longer then. dear. "I know that whatever happened to poor Roger. She looked at him pitifully. it was not you who killed him. That must mean that I am very fond of you.which there was a spice of girlish mischief. "Because all that foolishness is really gone. He died in Africa. Her cheek rested upon his shoulder. "Ah." he answered." She curled up in his easy-chair." His arm went very softly around her. your hands are burning." she said softly. "when you saw me come through the panel?" "I should never be afraid of any harm that you might bring me." he asked hoarsely.

she nodded her head slowly. "you bring me love and happiness and life.
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." she said. Then he kissed her on both cheeks. Even then she turned around and waved a little good-bye to him. There was no sign of fear in her face." "Can't you believe. listening—he. "that I am really Everard—your husband? Look at me. imprisoned in the jaws of a beast. you are not Everard. convulsed for a moment even with real physical fear—they heard the silence of the night broken by that one awful cry. He must think that you are Everard. "You see. "I must go back. The panel glided to and shut out the vision of her. too. touched the spring and passed through the panel. unterrified. the crumbling of the floor beneath his feet to have been spared the torture of her sweet importunities. walking quite firmly across the floor. Yet nothing so horrible as this interruption which really came could ever have presented itself before his mind. perhaps." she sighed." she said. with her head thrown back. Then what was. His own touched them for a moment. "but. her eyes lighting up. and—" A few seconds before. "No. She made a little grimace. Can't you feel that you have loved me before?" She shook her head a little sadly. kissed him. He will not let me stay here. "I am afraid. the cry of a man's soul in torment. It is only I who know that you are not.Her lips were seeking his. and." she added. Dominey felt from his soul that he would have welcomed an earthquake. horrified." he asked hoarsely. Half in his arms. unperturbed. "that you are not really fond of me. a thunderbolt. Dominey held his head like a man who fears madness. They listened to it together until its echoes died away. the most astonishing thing of all. only a little dumb disappointment." She slipped from the chair.

The cry had been no fantasy. from which here and there the snow had been shaken off. tapped the empty cases. smoking his pipe. Somebody or something had passed from the Black Wood and back again to this spot in the night. although they were still plentiful. had been blown down and left to rot on the ground. who was sitting in a chair before the fire. Dominey. Black mud was oozing up through the snow where he had set his feet. "I can't find master's number two gun. and turned towards Middleton. At the edge of the wood they seemed to vanish into the heart of a great mass of brambles. A little exclamation broke from his lips as he stood there. an hour or so later. The place was silent except for the slow drip of falling snow from the drooping leaves. There was no sign of any pathway. Here and there they puzzled him. were fresh tracks. he commenced a leisurely perambulation of the whole of the outside of the wood. He took one more cautious step forward and found himself slowly sinking. curiously excited by his discovery. examined the footmarks eagerly. Bracken. the neglect of years had obliterated it. brambles. They were neither like human footsteps nor the track of any known animal. and there was something ghostly about the still twilight as Dominey issued from the back regions and made his way through the untrodden snow round to the side of the house underneath Rosamund's window. then followed them to the corner of the wood." he announced. went over the gun rack once more. Picking his way with great caution. if ever there had been one.Chapter
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Dawn the next morning was heralded by only a thin line of red parting the masses of black-grey snow clouds which still hung low down in the east. Heggs. "That's missing."
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. Mr. only to be succeeded by a ranker and more dense form of undergrowth. the junior keeper. He was just able to scramble back. From the terraced walks. Middleton. The wind had dropped. Many of the trees. shrubs and bushes had grown up and degenerated. and straight across the park to the corner of the Black Wood. down the steps.

Dominey led him to where the tracks had halted on the gravel outside Rosamund's window and pointed across to the Black Wood." Dominey replied. Middleton rose to his feet at once and laid down his pipe." "That do seem queer. surely." the young man replied obstinately." "That was the spirit of Roger Unthank. Unthank. with a little shudder. by Mrs. or beast. "You wouldn't shoot at it. "I want you to come this way with me for a moment. and that it do come here now and then to be fed. and Dominey entered with the missing gun under his arm." his master ordered. "When he do come out of that wood." The old man seemed for a moment to stiffen with slow horror. Middleton did not hesitate. "I should have done so this morning if I had had a chance." he said." Middleton pronounced. Perhaps if that is so they can feel a charge of shot inside them. Squire?" he gasped. It seems that they not only make tracks. The door of the room was suddenly opened. nothing has been heard of this ghost. "Was anything heard last night. sir?" "There was an infernal yell underneath this window. "The master was shooting with it yesterday." Middleton admitted." the old keeper directed. The keeper took up his hat and stick and followed. Middleton. but they require feeding. he do call. "that the spirit of Roger Unthank have been taken possession of by some sort of great animal. lad. that isn't. so far as I can gather. "I am learning something about spirits." he confided. with a rifle under my arm." "Spirits. "They do say hereabout. "Middleton. Dominey followed the tracks with his eyes to the wood and back again."
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." Middleton considered the matter. removing the pipe from his mouth. Surprise kept him temporarily silent. From the day she left until last night. I am going to make my way into that wood." "Mrs." "By whom?" Dominey enquired patiently. Unthank has not been in this house for many months. for sure. "Why. "What do you make of those?" he enquired." "Well. It must be somewhere there." his master pointed out. or whatever it is."Look again. "When the weather is a little drier. "do not leave tracks like that behind. Look amongst those loose 'uns at the far end of the rack. He shook his head gravely.

" They returned to the house." was the doubtful reply." Dominey handed over his gun. Every one began to talk about the prospect of the day's sport. From the time when I was a kid. I'm a man of regular habits. I can promise you that. "within a very short time I am going to solve the mystery of this nocturnal visitor. Dominey turned to his companion. with green and purple fungi. we had a series of highly respectable and well-behaved ghosts. Squire. "you keep up the good old customs." "Nevertheless.—"a most appalling and unearthly cry." Dominey muttered. up till when I left here for Africa. which he very well understood. "I have hacked my way through some queer country in Africa. bathed and changed. you'll never come out. "from eight till nine. Squire!" was the solemn reply. "I hope. as he helped himself to coffee. went to his room." "There's nowt like this wood in the world. Just before they entered." Dominey said firmly. sir. don't forget to mention that I am going to have that wood looked through." he said. There'll be a rare bit of talk. who were a credit to the family and of whom we
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. "but I'll let 'em know. before I went to Eton. I suppose. There was a sudden hush as he entered. John." the old man asserted doggedly." the Cabinet Minister observed. The birds die there on the trees. "that our very latest thing in ghosts did not disturb anybody. "Middleton. "you can bring out a revolver and prowl about with me one night." "If you want to investigate. "Next time you are there. with interest. I have lately joined every society connected with spooks and find them a fascinating study. side by side. I should like it to get about. It's chockful of reptiles and unclean things." the old man replied." Dominey observed."Then as God's above." he said. "We will see. two feet high. The man who enters that wood goes to his grave." "That is right. you understand?" "That'll fair flummox the folk. with poison in the very sniff of them. and spend half an hour at the 'Dominey Arms' now and then?" "Most every night of my life. Dominey helped himself from the sideboard and took his place at the table." Dominey assented." "We all seem to have heard the same thing. and descended for breakfast. and that do seem right to me that with the work done right and proper a man should have his relaxation. sir. "The bottom's rotten from end to end and the top's all poisonous.

and behold. Seaman. I see no reason why you should not marry her secretly in London. I went in over my knees on the outskirts of it this morning. "it's easy enough to say there is the Princess to be considered. "My friend. and have the ceremony repeated under your rightful name later on. catastrophe!" Dominey took his friend's arm. "I am not sure." They had paused to help themselves to cigarettes. So far as regards the Princess.were somewhat proud. "Look here.
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." he said. "Has the Princess confided to you that that is her wish?" he asked. You remember how terrified the beaters were yesterday at the bare suggestion of entering it? For generations it has been held unclean. Such a spook is neither a credit nor a comfort to the family. Watson asked with interest. in the name of Everard Dominey. Dominey waited for a moment before he answered. "We might have a battue in the wood. "you must not allow these local circumstances to occupy too large a share of your thoughts. is something quite outside the pale. however. After all. "I am informed." Dominey replied. which were displayed with a cabinet of cigars on a round table in the hall. she is an impulsive and passionate person. It is certainly most unsafe. This latest spook." Their host spoke with such an absolute absence of emotion that every one was conscious of a curious reluctance to abandon a subject full of such fascinating possibilities. "that he is the spirit of a schoolmaster who once lived here." "I am not sure. It is true that these are the days of your relaxation. Terniloff was the only one." Dominey told them." "Has he a history?" Mr. "that the character of the wood is not more interesting than the ghost who is supposed to dwell in it. "that the terms you are on with Lady Dominey matter very much to any one. however. but she is also grande dame and a diplomatist. she has us in her power. there is the Princess for you to think of." he rejoined. who made a suggestion." he proposed. but will you kindly tell me what on earth more I can do to make her see the position? Necessity demands that I should be on the best of terms with Lady Dominey and I should not make myself in any way conspicuous with the Princess." Seaman reflected. and for whose departure from the world I am supposed to be responsible. The merest whisper in Downing Street. Shall we say half-past ten in the gun room?" Seaman followed his host out of the room. Still.

in a charming morning robe of pale blue lined with grey fur. "Perfectly." she went on. "I am a little afraid of the Princess." "Why?" he asked. before I married Everard. and it will strengthen your position with him."Something of the sort. Everard!" she exclaimed. "You slept well?" he enquired. "You do not lie awake thinking of our nocturnal visitor. "My friend. Terniloff would arrange it at the Embassy." "And your advice?" Seaman blew out a little cloud of cigar smoke. Rosamund. "You don't know about these things. You see. "How nice of you to come. sooner or later." Seaman acknowledged. "We will discuss this again before we leave. didn't I? After I was married. She seemed entirely delighted by his presence." she answered. I take it for granted that as a man of honour it will be your duty to offer her your hand in marriage. I think that any one around here would tell you. and Roger Unthank was never seen again. "that Everard killed Roger and threw him into
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. had just finished breakfast." he confessed. dropping her voice a little. the spirit of Roger Unthank will do him some sort of mischief. She held out her hands to him with a delighted little cry of welcome. "She wishes the suggestion. although I had scarcely ever spoken to him. He is devoted to her. however." Dominey turned away towards the stairs." she went on. then I might be frightened." she went on conversationally. and he felt instinctively that she was quite unaffected by the event of the night before. One evening Everard caught him and they fought. "I was hoping I should see you for a moment before you went off. I see no harm in anticipating a few months. Dominey was admitted at once by her maid into his wife's sittingroom. He gave up his work and used to haunt the park here. I ask you no questions as to your own feelings with regard to her. for some day or other I feel that if Everard comes here. as he had made up his mind to on every opportunity. I think I told you that much yesterday." he said gloomily. to come from you. then?" "Not for one moment. of course." He raised her fingers to his lips and sat down by her side. "if you were really Everard. He tackled the subject bravely. if by that means we can pacify her. "but Roger Unthank was in love with me. the poor man nearly went out of his mind.

and his first few words of introduction brought every one around her." she said to Caroline. "I have come up to remind you that we have guests here. where a body sinks and sinks and nothing is ever seen of it again. Let me come down at tea-time and after dinner. Everard. you have such clever guests. I don't know.
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. looking—awful! It was the night when I was taken ill." she replied doubtfully. You can easily say that I am still an invalid. and slip into things gradually. I am very much better. but I have been ill for so long that I have forgotten a great many things. though of course I'm not at all. "Oh. and I want you all to tell me how many pheasants you have shot." she declared. that I am afraid I sha'n't be able to talk to them. and Caroline will hate not being hostess any longer. but flushed with exercise and the pleasure of the day's sport. not at all the sort of people my Everard would have had here. But I want to make tea for you." he insisted. Nurse Alice is tremendously impressed. sweet eyes which seemed to be begging for their protection and sympathy as she rose hesitatingly to her feet. seated in a corner of the room. She acquiesced at once. "Oh." he promised. "You must not tell any one else of your fancy." Terniloff seated himself on the settee by her side. a little weary. "You say 'we' just as though you were really my husband. When are you coming down to see them?" She laughed like a child. So when the shooting party tramped into the hall that afternoon." "I do not believe he did anything of the sort. they found.one of those swampy places near the Black Wood. with large. a rather pale but extraordinarily childlike and fascinating woman." "You shall do exactly as you choose. please. and I have been out of the world for so long." he warned her. and that night he came home covered with blood. very careful. I am sure I should be terrified to sit at the end of the table. And. I quite understand." "Well no more tragedies." Dominey declared. but what she said was delightfully natural and gracious. "It has been so kind of you. "Everard had a terrible temper. and I should be a very poor hostess. "to help my husband entertain his guests. Dominey was by her side in a moment. as he took his leave." she assured him. behind the great round table upon which tea was set out. She said very little. "I shall be very.

I expect you are all very thirsty. "How much sugar. I am so glad to be here with you."I am going to help you in this complicated task. but I am quite strong again." she assured him. "I will tell you all about the high pheasants your husband killed. and about the woodcock he brought down after we had all missed it. "I have had a very bad illness." "Then I will find some other excuse for sitting here. "But I am not really delicate at all. "I am sure those sugar tongs are too heavy for you to wield alone. and will you pass those hot muffins to the Princess? And please touch that bell." "I shall love to hear about that." She laughed at him gaily." she assented."
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." he said. I shall want more hot water. please." he declared.

" "My dear young friend. There will be none. "you have not been overworked because there has been no legitimate work for you to do." the Prince said emphatically. There could be no possible advantage accruing from your labours here to compensate for the very bad effect which the discovery of your true name and position would have in the English Cabinet." "The sky certainly seems clear enough just now. towards the little beflagged sticks which indicated their stand. "But to continue. From that part of the Cabinet with whom I have had to do." the Prince consented. In every argument I have had.Chapter
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Arm in arm. in every concession I have asked for." Dominey remarked. Prince Terniloff and his host climbed the snow-covered slope at the back of a long fir plantation. So far as you are concerned. I have sent a private despatch to Potsdam." the Prince continued." he went on. my young friend. "that there is a genuine and solid desire for peace with Germany existing in Downing Street. "that I am here as a blind servant of the Fatherland. I am now at the end of my first year in this country. I detest espionage in every shape and form even where it is necessary. for the rest of the guns had chosen a steeper but somewhat less circuitous route." Dominey begged. "Von Ragastein. "I have not been overworked. "I think your position ridiculous. "I have convinced myself. I have received nothing but encouragement in my efforts to promote a better understanding between our two countries." "I must ask you to remember. I feel able to congratulate myself upon a certain measure of success. You know my one weakness." agreed Dominey. in which I have expressed that opinion." the Ambassador said. There was not a human being in sight." "So far. a weakness which in my younger days very nearly drove me out of diplomacy." "I will grant that freely. I have been met with a sincere desire to foster the growing
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. "I am going to give myself the luxury of calling you by your name. I simply obey orders.

I want you to reconsider your position here. however. I am proud of my work here. Caroline and Stephanie both took their places by Dominey's side." "I should esteem it an immense privilege. "to be given a private reading of these memoirs. and for the great triumphs to which our country is already entitled by reason of her supremacy in industry. I shall cause to be published. I have put on record there evidences of the really genuine sentiment in favour of peace which I have found amongst the present Cabinet. His will is for peace. Von Ragastein." Dominey said." "You are sure. "the desire for war should come. which some day." Dominey said thoughtfully. "In the meantime.friendship between our countries. "but matters have changed very much during the last six months. sir." "That may be arranged. Come to me after this drive is finished. England is showing wonderful pliability with regard to our claims in Morocco.
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. The former." "We serve an honourable master. It has been my great pleasure to trace the result of my work in a manuscript of memoirs. in character and in genius. in commerce. "and he has shown me his mind. I see. and a little party of women from the Hall reached the guns before the beaters were through the wood. Stephanie and Dominey were alone for the first time since their stormy interview in the library. my host. the snow was crisp." "Precisely." Dominey repeated. No empire has ever hewn its way to permanent glory by the sword alone." the Ambassador answered gravely. after a few minutes passed on to Terniloff's stand." the other acquiesced. not from Downing Street but from Potsdam. These are the weapons which will make Germany the greatest Power in the world. Every prospect of disagreement between our two countries upon any vital matter has now disappeared. I believe that I have brought Germany and England nearer together than they have been since the days of the Boer War. We have reached our stations. Even at the risk of offending France. "that you are not confusing personal popularity with national sentiment?" "I am sure of it. "Such popularity as I may have achieved here has been due to an appreciation of the more healthy state of world politics now existing. when peace is firmly established between our two countries." "My position is not voluntary. Von Ragastein." Dominey asked." The weather had turned drier. "I am acting under orders." Terniloff declared sternly." was the suave reply. All that I have said so far has been by way of prelude." "Unless.

Dominey called the faithful Middleton to his side for a further supply of cartridges. "His Excellency warned me that all he had said so far was merely the prelude to a matter of larger importance. "And you. none." Dominey persisted. believe me." Dominey assured her." She made a little grimace. dear. "there is no need to wait. "I think you were coming into it before very long. I cannot live as two men and keep my face steadfast to
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." Dominey confessed." Stephanie smiled." Stephanie repeated reverting to their conversation." Their conversation was interrupted for a few minutes by the sport. "I am perfectly certain he is going to begin by remonstrating you for your shocking treatment of me. and Leopold Von Ragastein can claim all that is his right." she murmured. Have I no claims upon you?" "Upon Everard Dominey." The strained look passed from her face. you will have no cause to complain of coldness or dilatoriness. to tell you the truth. "An interesting conversation in which my name has not been mentioned!" she repeated satirically. My pride is humbled. "and believe me I know what is safest and best. "Shocking." she pleaded. Stephanie bided her time." Dominey replied. "is the mildest word in my vocabulary which I can apply to your treatment of me. Her tone became more natural. only from a political one. He will have only one thought. only one hope—to end the torture of these years of separation as speedily as may be. Your political chief will more than endorse it. Leopold." "It is because you look at the matter only from a feminine point of view. Honestly. "His Excellency and I are. which came when the beaters at last emerged from the wood. Your Sovereign gives you permission."Has Maurice been talking to you?" she asked a little abruptly. Leopold." "Has he spoken to you about me?" "Your name has not yet been mentioned. I feel bruised all over inside. "in the midst of a most interesting conversation. "once the fondest and the most passionate of lovers. "Dear Maurice is so diplomatic. You think a great deal of your country." he insisted. "But." "I am on the spot." she answered in a low tone. In her wonderful furs and Russian turban hat she made a rather striking picture against the background of snow. "When the time comes.

The brisk walk across the park had brought colour to her cheeks. don't disappoint us all!" "I seem to be rather good at that." The little party moved on all together to another cover. don't go and make a fool of yourself with Stephanie. His cousin waited patiently until there came a pause in the shooting. She looks at dear little Rosamund as though she hadn't a right to exist. Stephanie. "Now let me hear what you have to say for yourself. Dominey found himself watching her. She is clever and brilliant and anything else you like." she said. "Well. Don't look so sorry for yourself. I know that woman. "you are one of the most wonderful examples of the reformed rake I ever met! You have even acquired respectability. as she deserted him a little later on to stand by Terniloff's side. the exigencies of the next few minutes demanded it. She planted herself on a shooting stick by his side and commenced to take him roundly to task. paused to whisper in his ear: "There might be a greater danger—one that has evaded even your cautious mind—in overplaying your part!" Dominey was taken possession of by Caroline on their walk to the next stand. Of that you may rest assured. I will hear what he has to say. don't begin it here. "To-night we must have an understanding. You must have encouraged her." "Well." "My dear Caroline. "What I want to say in plain words is. but for some reason or other she has set her mind upon you." Dominey observed a little drearily. sir? So far as I can see. "My dear Everard. If you want to have an affair with the Princess. She walked with all the free and vigorous grace of a healthy woman. you've been quite sweet to your wife. are you not?" she asked." Dominey was silent. "You are putting me in the position of a supplicant!" she exclaimed. you are the master of your own actions. Rosamund had joined them and hung on to Dominey's arm with delight. For heaven's sake. Everard."
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. there will be no affair between Stephanie and me. The Prince. who was passing with another of the guns. and she adores you. Fortunately. however. You'll have your wife ill again if you make her jealous." "I have not the least intention of doing anything of the sort. she has! Mark my words. He felt a touch on his arm.the world. has not spoken to me yet. with a little thrill of tangled emotions." Stephanie turned a little haughtily away.

with whom you were acquainted in Africa. then?" Caroline persisted. "Is this person in a hurry?" he said.—And here comes your man across the park—looks as though he had a message for you." he said." he replied. He is. I don't want a lot of protestations!" she interrupted. and I understand that he either is or brings you a message from a certain Doctor Schmidt. He let a hen pheasant pass over his head. He clasped her fingers for a moment before he helped himself. He reloaded before he turned to Parkins. who has recently landed in this country. and." he announced. His left hand was stretched out towards the cartridge bag which Caroline was holding." Dominey found himself watching with fixed eyes the approach of his rather sad-faced manservant through the snow. "I would not do anything to hurt Rosamund for the world. and brought down a cock from very nearly the limit distance. you must be extraordinarily and wonderfully careful. "By no means." "If you can't get rid of your old tricks altogether and must flirt. having really brought your wife back almost to health." the man replied. "You exaggerate her demeanour. All I want to point out is that. sir. curiously enough. was in no way alarming. and Dominey swung round and stood at attention. Dominey felt from the moment he caught sight of him that he was in some respects a messenger of Fate. If you want to talk nonsense with Stephanie. "but even if what you suggest were true—" "Oh. "from Norwich. Parkins was not dressed for such an enterprise. but her Highness's maid conversed with him in German. "A person of the name of Miller has arrived here."
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. Rosamund wouldn't mind me. His behaviour was perfectly normal. a foreigner of some sort. So long as nothing has happened to your cook. because I don't believe you do. when at last he reached his master's side. sir. because there are a few grey hairs in my sandy ones." The warning whistle blew at that moment."You mean to say that this is altogether on her side. "I told him that you would not be back until three or four o'clock. "I am not saying that you encourage her much. "well." she remarked. I found it a little difficult to understand him. Yet the message which he delivered. His was the stern march of duty. I feel that I could face ill tidings with composure. "You are rather a dear. I understand. and he is quite content to wait. do it in Belgrave Square. I'm always somewhere about." Dominey was watching the gyrations of a falling pheasant. nor did he seem in any way to relish it.

Colonials have a wonderful habit of sticking to one another. Seaman back to talk to him. though. "Do you find many of your acquaintances in Africa look you up."
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. "Except for Seaman." he directed. looking through the barrels of his gun. this is my first visitor from the land of fortune. Caroline was watching her companion curiously. "who really does not count because we crossed together." The man raised his hat respectfully and turned back towards the house.Dominey nodded. I expect there will be plenty of them by and by." Dominey replied. "We shall not be shooting late to-day. Very likely I will send Mr. Everard?" she asked. "Look after him yourself then. Parkins.

Neither betrayed himself by even the fall of an eyelid. Ludwig Miller. "He sends his respectful compliments and his good wishes. The two men looked steadily into each other's eyes." With a little flourish the man produced an envelope inscribed: To Sir Everard Dominey. an acquaintance of mine in East Africa." he announced. But for some slight indications of military training. "I am a cousin of Doctor Schmidt. as always. "Sir Everard Dominey?" he enquired. he would have passed anywhere as a highly respectable retired tradesman." was the reply. Also this letter. Some commonplace remark was uttered and responded to.
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. Baronet. Seaman came home from South Africa with me. Dominey read the few lines which seemed to take him back for a moment to another world: "Honoured and Honourable Sir." he explained to his visitor. "Mr. Yet Dominey." "And how is the doctor?" "My cousin is. Dominey broke the seal just as Seaman entered. busy but in excellent health. He rose to his feet at Dominey's entrance and stood at attention. England. after your Excellency had left.Chapter
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There was nothing in the least alarming about the appearance of Mr. He had been exceedingly well entertained in the butler's private sitting-room and had the air of having done full justice to the hospitality which had been offered him. unbetokened recognition which passed between them. his perceptive powers at their very keenest in this moment which instinct told him was one of crisis. fascinated. "A messenger here from Doctor Schmidt. In the County of Norfolk. Have I seen you before?" The man shook his head. "That is my name. Dominey Hall. Dominey watched them. Dominey nodded assent. felt the unspoken. I arrived in the Colony from Rhodesia.

" (Signed) "Your cousin is a little mysterious." he said. however. Dominey affected to misunderstand his hesitation." "The task. and no food. "My errand here is to warn you. "You can speak to him as to myself. The man left his encampment with whisky enough to kill him." Miller admitted. "that the Englishman whom you left for dead at Big Bend." "My cousin himself. struggling to make his way to the coast. "was hard to convince. He will lay before you certain circumstances of which it is advisable for you to have knowledge. "He does not. "Our friend here knows everything. and that if he succeeds in reaching the coast you may at any time be surprised by a visit from him here." Dominey assented. To silence him forever was a child's task." The man began as one who has a story to tell." Seaman said thoughtfully. was unperformed. thirst enough to drink it all. I am sent to warn you in order that you may take whatever steps may be necessary and not be placed at a disadvantage if he should appear. on the banks of the Blue River." he declared. as he passed the letter to Seaman. or was three months ago." Dominey shook his head incredulously. You may speak freely with him." the other persisted. the bearer of this letter—Mr. however. "I hope you have not come all this way to tell me that! The man was dead. what about these circumstances?" Ludwig Miller looked around the little room and then at Seaman. Of the progress of all matters here you will learn from another source. and without a doubt he is to some degree insane. the fact remains that he is in the Colony. He is in all respects to be trusted. "From three places in the colony he has been heard of. he is in a very weakly state. He is behaving in an absurd manner. Nevertheless. "Come. "My cousin." "Does he call himself by his own name?" Dominey asked." "So I found him. "deserted by his boys and raving. desired me to point out to you the fact that in any case he would probably be shy of doing so.
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. "KARL SCHMIDT. has been heard of in another part of Africa. Miller. Ludwig Miller."I send you my heartiest and most respectful greeting. "I recommend to your notice and kindness my cousin." Dominey remarked." Miller continued." "This is queer news you have brought us.

"That is not my name. The other shook his head gently. dropping his voice." Seaman asked." "You have remembered all that he told you?" Dominey asked. password—'The Day is coming. "I know nothing." "You have no idea with whom you are talking?" "Herr Seaman was the name. might walk in here at any moment." "It is a very good name." Seaman scoffed." the man replied. He wrote only these few lines I brought." "Hence your presence here. Attached to the left-hand side of it was a bronze decoration. Miller stared at it blankly and shook his head. things connected with it which he has always found mysterious."It is news which greatly disturbed Doctor Schmidt. "A mistake." "It was to warn you of that possibility that I am here. Johann Wolff?" Seaman asked." Seaman reminded him softly but very insistently. I have been in Vienna once many years ago. if he had business in this direction. I understood.
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." was the reply. and he came to see me just before I sailed." Seaman continued." "If we believed it. I supplied outfits for officers and hospitals and sportsmen." "How much do you know personally. we have met. "The whole affair has been a great worry to Doctor Schmidt. in an altered tone. I am Ludwig Miller. Doctor Schmidt knew that. Nothing can shake their story. but Cracow never. "I can think of nothing else. and I have been a trader in Mozambique in a small way. Bureau Twelve. "Information Department. The visitor's expression remained unchanged except for the faint surprise which shone out of his blue eyes. "Johann Wolff. "I went out to East Africa some years ago. with lettering and a number. I am just a messenger. "Look here and think. "He has had the natives up one after another for cross-examination. He first thought of writing a very long letter. but he told me those other things. and I know nothing of this matter beyond what I have told you. Now and then I have to return to Europe to buy fresh stock. "of the existent circumstances?" The man shook his head vaguely. Afterwards he changed his mind.'" Seaman continued. after a moment's pause." he admitted." He undid his coat and waistcoat and displayed a plain vest of chamois leather. "this other European." "Once in Vienna and twice in Cracow. There are things connected with it which he has never understood. my friend." he repeated.

Wolff. "I have a cousin in Norwich who makes toys." "Just so. of course." was the indifferent answer. "that he is mistaking me for some one else!" There was trouble in Seaman's face as the two men made their way to the front of the house and trouble in his tone as he answered his companion's query." he replied. I spend my holiday here. which would interest your friend." "I shall gladly spend the night here. "I am your superior in the Service. "I dare say Mr." was the apologetic reply." Seaman sat and studied this obstinate visitor for several minutes without speaking. calm." "If the gentleman would only believe. perhaps. I love the English country. Miller?" he invited. "I know nothing of these things. His name is Wolff—Johann Wolff. "The English country under a foot of snow! So you have nothing more to say to me. Seaman would like to have another talk with you in the morning. "I am sorry to have caused displeasure to you. perhaps. a favourite in the Wilhelmstrasse and only made use of on important occasions.His listener shook his head and smiled with the puzzled ignorance of a child. Mr. "to stay in these parts long?" "One or two days—a week. "Do you propose. his eyebrows gently contracted." was the polite reply." Dominey enquired." Seaman muttered grimly. "You will spend the night here. and your attitude towards me is indefensible." the culprit begged. "What do you think of that fellow and his visit?" "I do not know what to think. phlegmatic. Dominey had already turned towards the door. his finger tips pressed together. "I do not think that I have anything to say." The latter rose to his feet. Herr Seaman." Seaman declared angrily. "The gentleman mistakes me for some one else." "And this story of his?" "You ought to be the best judge of that."
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. His vis-a-vis endured this scrutiny without flinching. the very prototype of the bourgeois German of the tradesman class. Johann Wolff?" "I have executed my mission to his Excellency. but there is a great deal that I know." Seaman replied gravely. your Excellency. "The man is a spy." "You are making a great mistake. however.

"They tell me that pool is one of your greatest accomplishments. Eddy." the young man confessed. with a satisfied chuckle. bearing a note upon a silver tray. in a low tone." he proposed." Seaman. "From the person in Mr. "Without the shadow of a doubt I threw the body of the man I killed into the Blue River and watched it sink. "A game of pills." "I'm pretty useful. Dominey took it from the salver with a little nod." "Then the story is a fake." the man announced. Seaman. "You will give me nothing."I am." Seaman decided. what?" Dominey took his arm and led him into the billiard-room. "For some reason or other we have come under the suspicion of our own secret service. sir. "Set them up. as they emerged into the hall. was summoned imperiously to her side by the Princess Eiderstrom." he replied. "Give you a black at snooker. Dominey disappeared for a moment and returned presently. Parkins' room—to Mr." Dominey assented confidently. having discarded some of his soaked shooting garments. and I will show you how I made a living for two months at Johannesberg!"
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. young fellow. Then he turned to where the youngest and most frivolous of his guests were in the act of rising from the tea table. He was followed by his valet.

Doctor Harrison. my dear host. listening to her lighthearted and at times almost brilliant chatter with grave and watchful interest. "I will make a report directly I get back to London. my young friend.Chapter
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The evening at Dominey hall was practically a repetition of the previous one." the Prince began. remained upon the outskirts. To my mind. who had been dining. She received the congratulations of her neighbours charmingly. conclude the conversation to which all that I said this morning was merely the prelude.
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." "Join your protests with mine. I am here as a servant under orders. England is willing to make all reasonable sacrifices to ensure peace." the Prince suggested. If anything should lead to the discovery of your false position in this country." "I am scarcely my own master. and a little court soon gathered around her." murmured his host. After dinner. with some eagerness in his tone. "continue and. I maintain. obeyed Terniloff's gestured behest and strolled with him to a distant corner of the hall. Dominey was absent for a few minutes and returned with Rosamund upon his arm. Dominey. I trust. satisfied that she was being entertained. thin cigars which were his particular fancy. in front of a fire of blazing logs. Therefore." Dominey had risen to his feet and was standing on the hearthrug. therefore there will be peace. the friendship between us which has become a real pleasure to me must seriously undermine my own position. "I have tried to make you understand that from my own point of view—and I am in a position to know something—the fear of war between this country and our own has passed." Dominey replied. the matter is urgent. it is far better for you to disappear at once from this false position. with a different set of guests from the outer world. She wants peace. smoking one of the long. "Let me now. The Ambassador was sitting with crossed legs in a comfortable easy-chair. "You yourself must know that." "I am entirely at your service. she intends peace.

indeed. my friend. if he is not at the present moment secretly in league with them. except for that day or two in Saxony?" "That is so. with the air of one a little weary of the conversation." he said. Maurice seems." "Then I shall claim you for a while. So far as I am concerned I have never met any one. "have reached a cul-de-sac in our argument. I have the utmost respect and regard for him. and I am lonely." she remarked."
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. I believe that in time they will thrust their will upon the Kaiser." "A fallacy?" "You have come to the absolute conclusion." He turned away and Stephanie sank into his vacant place. I believe in the ultimate power of the military party of Germany. to have taken a wonderful liking to you. "Send me away if I am. "have come to a disagreement." "Not an unfriendly one. "but I yield our host! I shall seek my opponent at billiards." Stephanie. My mandate is for peace." the Ambassador said quietly. "that because England wants peace there will be peace." Dominey continued. Therefore. she moved listlessly." "His Excellency and I. "So you and my cousin. "there is just one fallacy in all that you have said. and my charge is from the Kaiser's lips." Dominey said." her host assured her." Stephanie declared." Dominey observed. "I should consider my position here one of dishonour."Your Excellency. but I cannot help feeling that the pleasant intimacy to which he has admitted me is to a large extent owing to the desire of our friends in Berlin. of any nation." "If I shared that belief with you. and she even spoke with less than her usual assurance. I cannot remember that you ever met before. I am of Seaman's mind." The Prince bowed. I believe that there will be war. taking Dominey's arm. as she made room for Dominey to sit by her side. "Lady Dominey has attracted all the men to her circle. broke away from a distant group and came towards them. "I deny the cul-de-sac. whose character I admire more. Her beautiful eyes seemed tired.—the blank wall of good-natured but fundamental disagreement. "That I am sure of. The first time I exchanged any intimate conversation with the Prince was in London. "Am I disturbing a serious conversation?" she asked.

"Just for a moment. "which would break his heart. "Such as?" "You are absolutely callous. you know. Not even the whip of a royal command. "that no ambassador can remain a gentleman—politically. She saw the unusual softening in his face. can give me even five seconds of happiness. and I was she. "would the Leopold Von Ragastein of six years ago have pleaded for? Delay! He found words then which would have melted an iceberg. The love for which I have sacrificed my life has failed me." "All that I have pleaded for. "You have many qualifications. I take with me the letter which should have brought me happiness." she broke off." "And that?" "The subject upon which you two disagree—a war between Germany and this country. He is one of the few great aristocrats I have met who carries his nobility of birth into his simplest thought and action." Dominey begged earnestly." "The Prince is an idealist. There is just one thing." she observed." she continued. He found words the memory of which comes to me sometimes in the night and which mock me. And now—" Dominey felt a strange pang of distress. "I go back to London to-morrow. you are not like him. and her eyes lit up.
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." She shrugged her shoulders." "Well. absolutely without heart or sympathy where your work is concerned." "I do not admit it. with a sudden note of passion in her tone. "Sometimes I wonder why he was sent here."Maurice lives his life loftily." Dominey said. I think that you left him somewhere in Africa and came home in his likeness." he protested. "a very miserable and unhappy woman." "And what delay do you think." Dominey reminded her earnestly. so I cannot say." she observed cuttingly. He had no country then save the paradise where lovers walk. I should think." she asked. As a rule. not even all that I have to offer. "is delay. "you were like Leopold. no ruler but a queen. I have never been a diplomat. why they did not send some one of a more intriguing character. "You agree with that great Frenchman." "Believe that for a little time." she added." Dominey replied.

I have been assuring you. and Seaman. in trouble—perhaps ill. Her lips drew nearer to his. It is the very essence of all successful espionage. the center of a little group of gullible amateur speculators." she ordered." he said coolly." she exclaimed suddenly. Perhaps before you came here you played the part of Leopold. and their lips met. her hands were extended as though to prevent any chance of his approaching her again. "No. They stopped to say a word or two here and there." "With the Princess. "trouble grows. was lecturing on mines. "Now I know the truth. but Stephanie's fingers never left her companion's arm. You play the part of Everard Dominey like a very king of actors. Love cannot die as you would have me believe." She came a little nearer. and the man I love is there still." "I shall put you to the test." he replied. if you please." she whispered. I am going to keep away from him this evening. "Your arm. rising to her feet." he said. "Kiss me—upon the lips." she muttered. He held her. "There is no Leopold here. But you should know when to
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. There are words Leopold used to use which I have never heard from your lips. "I think you have blundered. "you are coming round to my way of thinking." She led him across the hall to where little groups of people were gossiping. stooped down. and I advise you to do the same." "Now. Dominey found an opportunity to draw Seaman away from his little group of investment-seeking friends."What if it were true?" she asked abruptly." declared Seaman. into a small gallery which led into the ballroom. Here they were alone. The trouble is with the Princess. "you yourself have said it. I quite appreciate your general principles of behaving internally and externally as though you were the person whom you pretend to be. Leopold. from the very first moment we met at the Carlton. Then she stood apart from him. "There are times when I do not recognise you. "Upon the lips. Her eyes were for a moment closed. that I was not your Leopold—that I was Everard Dominey. You are not my Leopold. playing bridge. She laid her hands upon his shoulders and looked up into his eyes. They passed down a corridor hung with a collection of wonderful sporting prints in which she affected some interest. "My friend. Is not West Africa the sorcerer's paradise? Perhaps you are an imposter." "Anything more from Schmidt's supposed emissary?" Seaman asked quickly.

will it not?" "Has the Princess a suite of rooms here?" Seaman enquired." She turned very sweetly to Everard. You should by no means make an enemy of her. She will not think of going to bed at this time of night. I see grave objections myself to your obeying the Kaiser's behest. scruples don't enter into the question at all. On the other hand." Dominey acknowledged. "it's time to knock off for the evening. I think. and Mr. you know. "I have been enjoying myself so much." Seaman declared. if she does. that will rather upset the apple cart." Seaman nodded." "And now." "Am I!" Dominey replied gloomily. As a matter of fact." he directed. "She has gone off to bed now. she may do a lot of mischief before she goes." Dominey played the host first and then the husband.
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. And then. to your visiting her in London. Rosamund welcomed him with a little cry of pleasure." "If I once begin—" "Look here." Seaman interrupted. Supposing that chap Dominey did come to life again and she brings him home? You say yourself that you do not mean to make much use of me until after the war has started. "You go out and play the host. Everard!" she exclaimed. She knows what she is doing. and she should find Dominey out there." "Well. "Over in the west wing." "Well." Doctor Harrison intervened a little gruffly. "Everybody has been so kind. "you are out of your troubles. I tell you frankly that I could not bear to see you playing the idiot for a moment with Lady Dominey. I have done it. She cares nothing for Germany's future. She thinks I have borrowed some West African magic. like a great many Hungarians. but with the Princess. and giving her more ardent proofs of your continued affection. I think. and she is leaving early to-morrow morning. In the parlance of this country of idioms. still alive? The Princess is not of German birth. she prefers England. "the Princess is a woman of the world. and there is a definite tie between you. I see no objection whatever to your treating the Princess in a more human manner. They say that an Englishman has as many lives as a cat. that I have left her lover's soul out there and come home in his body. Mangan has taught me a new Patience. Good idea! You go and see what you can do with her. "First of all.make exceptions. "Leave it to me. supposing by any thousand to one chance the story of this cousin of Schmidt's should be true.

"it's very comfortable." "I love you to say that. good-bye. Look how cross the Duchess looks! Some one must have played the wrong card. curiously gratified at her lingering progress. nurse. you look very comfortable here." "She is very beautiful. "I wonder! I am very observant. isn't he?" she complained to Dominey. reading."Will you take me upstairs?" she begged. and the maid was sewing in the background. She excused herself gracefully. with a little sigh." Dominey assured her." Dominey confessed. it is very stupid of me to feel jealous. Doctor Harrison?" "Nothing to see you for. "but it seems wrong somewhere. "as I am not really your wife and you are not really my husband. you talk to me as though I were a child. The nurse was sitting in an easy-chair. I will not be anybody else's. "I wish she looked as though she liked me a little more. dear?" She drew his head down and whispered in his ear. "Well. Everard?" "I think that I am rather in her bad books just at present." Rosamund's farewells were not easily made." Rosamund held his hands." she said a little plaintively. as though reluctant to let him go. as they passed out of the room. "She said something about a headache. promising to sit up a little later the next evening. "You are as well as any woman here. "Yes. everybody. Terniloff especially seemed reluctant to let her go." she admitted.
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. When are you coming to see me. Is the Princess Eiderstrom there?" "I am afraid that she has gone to bed." he declared cheerfully. isn't it." "Just a little unsympathetic. "Pray do not move. and I have seen her looking at you sometimes—Of course." was the gruff reply. Is she very fond of you. however. "If I am not your husband." he answered. then." Rosamund went on." she laughed.—Everard?" "Yes. He took her to the door of her room and looked in. Everard?" "Not a bit. You see." Rosamund said wistfully. "Now say good night to everybody. so that I can say good-bye to every one else. "Well. Then she drew his face down and kissed him. my stern husband is taking me off. Dominey led the way upstairs. "I have been hoping so much that you would come before Doctor Harrison sent me off." "Why." Dominey answered." "I should have been very disappointed if I had been too late. "Please take me through the hall.

"Not to-night."May I come in and say good night for two minutes?" He smiled—a wonderfully kind smile—but shook his head. "The Prince loves to sit up late. "Very well. I dare say. "Some of our guests going early." he replied. that bully of a doctor of yours insists upon ten hours' sleep. as he turned away." he replied. dear. "Wasn't that a car?" she asked." She paused for a moment to listen.
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. and I shall be downstairs with him. Besides." She sighed like a disappointed child.

if this man has left the door here is locked?" "Mr." "I understand." Seaman replied. "I am. "Much obliged for your information. Parkins locked it before he went out. A tall. "Has he locked himself in?" "He has left the Hall." Seaman was silent for a moment. Pelham's servant." "Good night. He took advantage of the car which went down to the station for the evening papers and caught the last train." "I will let him know that you desire to see him. unfavourable." Seaman said. "Mr. The cabinets of cigars are kept there. Parkins' invitation. I do not understand his language myself. "Do you mean gone away for good?" "Apparently. Reynolds." was the respectful reply. sir!" "Left!" Seaman repeated. sir?" he enquired. "I am Mr." Seaman had the air of a man not wholly satisfied. for some reason or other. "My name is Reynolds. I think his name was—to the station. None of the other servants use the room except at Mr. "Is it usual to lock up a sitting-room in this fashion?" he asked. I will speak to Mr.Chapter
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Seaman did not at once start on his mission to the Princess. "What is your position here?" he asked his informant." "Can you tell me why. He accompanied—Mr. sir. He made his way instead to the servants' quarters and knocked at the door of the butler's sitting-room. There was no reply. but I believe he considered his reception here. grave-faced man in sombre black came out from an adjoining apartment. as he turned away. sir. Miller. The door was locked. sir. sir. also the wine-cellar key and the key of the plate chest. The news was a shock to him. Reynolds!" "Good night. sir!"
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. Parkins always does it. sir. He tried the handle in vain. Parkins later. "You are looking for the person who arrived this evening from abroad.

the matter which is causing you distress. Mr. his aptitude has been marvellous. I am only a German tradesman. I try to point out the paths of danger and of safety. I think. "Tell me. in a boudoir opening out of her bedroom. She was seated in front of the fire. however. What is going to be his real value to you? What work will he do?" "We are keeping him for the big things. I have watched over him from the start. reading a novel. "Yes! Before the summer is over I am to pack up my trunks and fly. Stephanie consented without hesitation to receive him." she said." "One might almost call it supernatural. You have seen our gracious master lately?" he added hesitatingly. the typical English country gentleman." "Has he sent you to reason with me?" "Not directly. you seem to have been completely successful in the installation of our friend here as Sir Everard. "I know what is at the back of your mind. Nevertheless. Seaman." she continued. I do not wish to presume upon my position. "Your Highness." Seaman shook his head reproachfully." "It is when that time comes. Our friend here is." she replied. and made his way up the southern flight of stairs toward the west wing. I brought him from Africa. as it happens. Two brains are better than one. with a low bow. of the truth of this matter. Yet I know much." she agreed. "we are in despair at your desertion. I beg you to reconsider your decision. admitted to the circles like these for reasons connected solely with the welfare of my country. "To-morrow I leave it. I understand. his major-domo in this enterprise." he continued. So much the greater will be the rapture with which he will throw himself on his knees before you. "Princess. I try to show him where to avoid mistakes. of
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. exchanged a few remarks here and there.Seaman passed back again to the crowded hall and billiard-room. "that we expect Sir Everard Dominey. "I hope he does." "I should imagine Sir Everard finds you useful. needlessly hard upon himself." Seaman said impressively. "that our friend has accommodated himself wonderfully to English life and customs?" "You must remember that he was educated here." Seaman declared." she remarked calmly. "believe me. I am to a certain extent." "It has doubtless occurred to you. So much the greater will be his reward when the end comes." She put down her book. "I have been insulted in this house.

sailings of convoys. to be of use to us." "What are you afraid that I shall do?" she asked curiously. realised the change in her. We have quite enough of the other sort of help arranged for. your lover. of soldiers. I have watched him day by day. I implore you to believe what I know so well. from his town house in Berkeley Square. "that in some corner of the world. I know. "Your Highness. "These things you are expecting from our present host?" "We are. My confidence in him has grown. The authorised staff of our secret service can only work underneath. I stand outside the gates of the world which your sex can make a paradise. I implore your patience. then? Answer me. keenly observant as always. He will plead his own cause when the time comes. the host of Cabinet Ministers. calling up of soldiers—all these are the A B C of our secret service profession. "I am not here to speak on behalf of the man who at heart is. aerodromes and harbours. Seaman. I am no judge of the things that happen there." he admitted frankly. of the best brains of the country.whose loyalty there has never been a word of doubt. Most of our present helpers will be under suspicion. yet found something of mystery in her new detachment of manner. but. Princess." "Indirectly." "I am afraid. Plans of ships. our fingers will never leave the pulse of Britain's day by day life. She sat looking into the fire." Stephanie was silent. if not in this country. We shall never ask our friend here for a single fact.—that it is the sternest sense of duty only which is the foundation of Leopold Von Ragastein's obdurate attitude. you might whisper a word. I am here to implore you to take no rash step. "I am afraid of nothing—directly. to do nothing which might imperil in any way his position here. But in your heart I feel there is bitterness." Stephanie threw herself back in her easy-chair and clasped her hands behind her head. You can see for yourself the advantage we gain in having a confidential correspondent who can day by day reflect the changing psychology of the British mind in all its phases." he urged. and we expect to get them. I would not like that word to be spoken in the presence of any one who knew your history and realised
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. please. which would make people wonder what grudge you had against a simple Norfolk baronet. a scoffing or an angry sentence. But I am here to plead for patience. because the man for whom you care has chosen to place his country first.

"As a matter of fact." "His bridge was reasonably good. "I shall go to Africa." she exclaimed." "We shall miss him." she announced. and held out her hand in token of dismissal. "Well.
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. Pelham is a director of the Chelsea Motor Works. "Fancy any one wanting him badly enough to drag him out of bed in the middle of the night with a telephone call and send him up to town by the breakfast train from Norwich!" their host continued. "I thought we had started a new ghost when he came into my room in a purple dressing-gown and broke the news. Eddy Pelham's empty place was the first to attract notice. "Does Eddy do anything for a living?" Caroline asked. "I should think such a thing has never happened to him before. Mr." "I see." "You're not suggesting. "He received a small legacy last year." Mangan told them." "Who wanted him?" the Duke enquired. looking round from the sideboard. "Gone?" every one repeated." "Gone." "Fancy any one wanting Eddy for any serious purpose!" Caroline murmured. "It was quite one of the events of the day to see his costume after shooting. There was a little ripple of good-humoured laughter." "You are going back to Berlin—to Hungary?" She shook her head.the rather amazing likeness between Sir Everard Dominey and Baron Leopold Von Ragastein. Seaman. "He shot rather well the last two days." the Duke commented. In a few days I shall leave this country. beckoned her maid to open the door. "He was wanted in town." Dominey replied. "Where's the pink and white immaculate?" the Right Honourable gentleman asked. and his favourite taxicab man was the first to know about it." Dominey observed." Dominey replied. What I shall carry away with me in my heart is not for you or any man to know. I do not think that you need have many fears." Mangan confessed. towards the end of breakfast time. "that it is business of that sort which has taken Eddy away!" "I should think it most improbable. a faint smile parting her lips." Mangan remarked. he asked me the other day if I knew where their premises were." she acknowledged. "His tailor?" "Business of importance was his pretext." The morrow was a day of mild surprises." Stephanie murmured. "I am going to take a sea voyage. "Mr. "I miss my morning wonder as to how he tied his tie. yawning.

spent half an hour with Rosamund. "I suppose he is having a prowl round somewhere." Seaman acquiesced." "I have left it to you to make more careful enquiries. and when he found there was a train to Norwich he simply bade them both good night. When there is a thing which I do not understand." "Disappeared?" Dominey repeated. pausing in the act of selecting a cigarette." The missing young man's requiem was finished by the arrival of the local morning papers. Seaman. "If you please." Dominey announced. "that he was going to wear brown to-day." Dominey vanished into the nether regions. Then he insisted upon accompanying him. They had a moment together after Dominey had pointed out the stands. He came to find out something. "that his departure was indicative of a certain distrust in us. He left no message whatever for either you or me. He said nothing about leaving until he saw Parkins preparing to go down to the station with the chauffeur. after a moment's puzzled consideration." Dominey decided." Caroline concluded. "The affair disconcerts me because I do not understand it. "Our friend. followed him. or Wolff—Doctor Schmidt's emissary. I am uncomfortable. A bed was arranged for him—or rather it is always there—in a small apartment opening out of the butler's room. "has disappeared. but there was a curious disappearance from the Hall last night." he said." "I will go and make some enquiries." Seaman announced." Seaman was thoughtful. "I do not know whether you have heard. and saw nothing of his disturbed guest again until they were walking to the first wood. A few moments later Dominey rose and left the room. "My friend. I found the door of your butler's sitting-room locked. "There is no doubt. who had been unusually silent. Pelham's valet he turned out to be—told me that he had left in the car which went for the evening papers." Seaman replied. and a very civil fellow—Mr." he confided. on the ground floor. "All I can tell you is that I made up my mind last night to interview him once more and try to fathom his very mysterious behaviour." "Whose?" Dominey asked. "Well?" Seaman enquired. "Our friend Miller. "apparently made up his mind to go quite suddenly. and I suppose he
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. Now I think Eddy would have looked nice in brown."And he had told me confidentially.

" Seaman assented. "than why Johann Wolff was sent over here to spy upon our perfect work. We are doing our job and doing it well. turning to his companion. with faint sarcasm." "Well." "Where to?" "Africa!" Dominey paused in the act of inserting a cartridge into his gun. my friend. Let our clear consciences console us." Dominey laughed quietly." "In every respect except as regards the Princess. "I did my best with her last night." Dominey observed. I must not stay here longer. I think I can be trusted." Seaman confided. Things which I do not understand oppress me." "We will try a partridge for a change. and you shoot pheasants. I think?" he added." Seaman admitted. a crumpled heap of feathers." "The Princess?" "The Princess. "Why the mischief is she going out there?" he asked. but she is not likely to give us away. "but I feel uneasy. She has decided to take a sea voyage. my friend. "You will find yourself minus another guest when you return this afternoon. We are to be relieved of any anxiety concerning her for some time. We live on the brink of a volcano. "Marvellous!" Seaman replied. "Come. however. The things which I understand. "Any other trouble looming?" Dominey asked." "I cannot take this matter very seriously." "That is well. Too intimate an association between you and me is unwise. I envy you your composure." Dominey acknowledged. "Neat. He turned slowly around and looked into his companion's expressionless face. The Princess is angry. This man Wolff could make no adverse report about either of us. "your deportment has been most discreet. "even if I am to be left alone. I do not fear. I am most unhappy. however threatening they are.found it out. "I can no more tell you that. "The fellow seemed to me quite harmless. "there is nothing here which seriously threatens our position. but I found her in a most peculiar frame of mind." Seaman replied. "I envy your nerve." "My anxieties have also been aroused in another direction. swinging round as a single Frenchman with a dull whiz crossed the hedge behind them and fell a little distance away." Seaman replied."
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." he said." Dominey observed.

Mr. in her husband being killed in a duel and her lover being banished from the country. after all?" Caroline enquired. "First Eddy." Dominey repeated irritably. counting everything. and her manners are most attractive. and now Stephanie." Dominey muttered. He had no luggage but a walking stick. I think your wife. with notes and messages for everybody. "She had one wonderful love affair. I must say on the whole I am delighted with our visit. "He was a fat. as you know. she's not quite the sort of woman to be content with a banished lover. "You're in trouble!" she whispered in his ear. "You show so much tact in other matters. perhaps. Ludwig Miller." "Well." Caroline replied." "You do not know the Princess. then Mr. and I suppose the others. I like Stephanie. I fancied I noticed distinct signs of her being willing to replace him whilst she has been down here!" "I feel as though a blight had settled upon my house party. "To-morrow Henry and I are off. "Really." Dominey murmured. Parkins spent an agonised half hour. I approve. Caroline made a little grimace at her host. I cannot understand your point of view in this matter."
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. Rosamund joined them for luncheon. Ludwig appears to be one of those unsolved mysteries which go to make up an imperfect world. "All the same. Still. She is perfectly sweet. Ludwig Miller. "but there is a very great compensation for my disappointment. we've had a jolly time. bringing news of Stephanie's sudden departure. You could not expect me to mix up a secret honeymoon with my present commitments!" "There might surely have been some middle way?" Seaman persisted." Dominey remarked with bland irrelevancy. which ended. is worth taking trouble about." Dominey mused."Except as regards the Princess. my friend." "You are very gracious." she went on deliberately. and he seems to have upset the male part of my domestics last night by accepting a bed and then disappearing!" "With the plate?" "Not a thing missing. flaxen-haired German who brought me messages from old friends in Africa." "I wonder whether she is." Caroline said reminiscently. "I think men have generally found her so. but she is an exceedingly dangerous person. "I came." "And who on earth was Mr. Everard. expecting to see a little more of you.

" she concluded drily. "one cloud which leans over us. "Are you still worried about that Unthank affair?" she asked." he muttered." There was a strange.—but other things may happen first." "Don't talk rubbish!" Caroline exclaimed. You are a strong." she remarked." she sighed. It may bring even another tragedy down upon us. "I am afraid of my feelings for her. a certain almost desperate resignation. "Seaman was the first founder of my fortunes." "You take yourself very seriously. I shall clear it up in time. He hesitated for a moment. "I have made a little money once or twice on the Stock Exchange." "Seaman is a good-hearted little fellow. "What tragedy could come between you now? You've recovered your balance." She shrugged her shoulders." he said warmly. "There is still an aftermath to our troubles. and one won't see anything of him for ages. There were times when he seemed wholly incomprehensible to her." he told her. almost a terrible mixture of expressions in his face as he answered.—a certain fear. steadfast person. shook with an emotion which amazed his companion. He will drift away presently. Tragedy. "I believe you are in love with your wife." he told her. "One would think that there was a side of your life. a certain fondness. and a very important one." she observed. and have your honeymoon all over again?" "I can't do that just yet. She looked away from him. "I believe I am. just fitted to be the protector of anything so sweet and charming as Rosamund. "whether you were going to stand for Parliament on the Anglo-German alliance ticket. indeed! Why don't you take her down to the South of France. looking at him with a puzzled expression."
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." "Henry began to wonder. are you?" "On the contrary. "Everard. Even his voice. and he loves companionship. Everard. Why do you have that funny little man Seaman always round with you? You're not being blackmailed or anything." She studied him curiously. Everard."I am very glad you think that. which you kept entirely to yourself. "but I didn't have to carry my broker about in my pocket afterwards. as a rule so slow and measured.

Dominey laughed as he caught Middleton's reproachful eye in the doorway of the farmer's kitchen in which they were hunching. "I have had some thoughts of Parliament. Henry need not worry."
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. "but—well." he admitted. He gave the signal to rise.

" Dominey replied. to treat you with the utmost confidence. I have known English gentlemen all my life." he said. to leave in your hands all such unfulfilled work as can be continued in secrecy and silence." Dominey agreed. "That. "Von Ragastein. What I am now going to say to you is official. "I know only one name here." "It is understood." the Prince continued. "I desire to refer back for a moment to our conversation the other day. They want to keep every
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. "Well?" "I am given to understand. Prince. then. for one. in the event of war. The Prince took his host's arm and led him to one side for a few moments. cannot foresee. "The authorities have changed their first idea as to my presence here." Dominey assented. His first few words were of formal thanks. and there is nothing whatever to connect you with any political work." Dominey shook his head and glanced behind." "Dominey." "I understand perfectly. and you have the trick of the thing. I have already told you of my disapproval of this scheme in which you are the central figure." "Up to the present that is absolutely so. if the black end should come." Dominey seemed to stiffen a little. "is a personal matter. He spoke then more intimately. But listen. I will confess that you play and carry the part through perfectly. They concern you.Chapter
24
The next morning saw the breaking-up of Dominey's carefully arranged shooting party. I am assured that if your expose should take place at any time. and. For that reason I am begged to inaugurate terms of intimacy with you." the Ambassador continued. as the cars were being loaded up. "that you practically exist only in the event of that catastrophe which I. "I am further advised to look upon you as my unnamed and unsuspected successor here. I perhaps express myself in a somewhat confused manner. your personation will be regarded as a private enterprise. I had despatches from Berlin last night.

bidding all her guests farewell. "Lady Dominey will accompany you?" "Of that I am not sure." Dominey replied thoughtfully. Everard!" she exclaimed. changing the subject of their conversation abruptly. is that I hope you will soon follow us to London and give me the opportunity of offering you the constant hospitality of Carlton House Gardens. One can well imagine that there would be work for me. "I only wish that I had seen more of them. so that in the event of war I shall have an absolutely unique position. if I may be allowed to say so. as soon as I have consolidated my position here—an event which I fancy I may consider attained—to establish myself in London and to await orders. She clung to Dominey's arm when at last they turned back into the empty hall. and I never knew any one with such delightful manners as Prince Terniloff.shadow of suspicion away from me. "I have noticed. as they turned back along the terrace. and they reflect a desire and intention for peace which will. There were more farewells and." "You are very kind." the Ambassador assented." Dominey said." Terniloff declared. "What dear people they were." "Our understanding is mutual. Prince. Are you going to miss them very much. an unsuspected yet fervently patriotic German. dear?"
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." he continued. and with the utmost pleasure. living hand in glove with the upper classes of English Society. Rosamund herself was on the terrace. amaze you. your chivalrous regard for that lady." he admitted." "She will never lack a protector in me. "My instructions are. I trust that amongst other things you will then permit me to examine the memoirs you spoke of the other day. You will permit me to assure you that in the peculiar position in which I am placed I shall never forget that she is the wife of Everard Dominey." "Naturally. The Duchess was perfectly charming to me. therefore. soon after. "What I have to say to you. Prince. "You I felt instinctively were different. either for their passions or their policy. the little procession of cars drove off. "I wanted to hear that from you. "They are a faithful record of my interviews and negotiations with certain Ministers here." Terniloff shook hands heartily." Dominey declared. I venture now upon a somewhat delicate question. I think. but there are many men of our race who are willing enough to sacrifice a woman without the slightest scruple. I find Lady Dominey charming.

dear Rosamund." she begged. and I kept out of the way until they had all gone." "A very short distance. so I thought I'd wait till the afternoon." She clutched at his hand passionately. however. my friend!" he exclaimed." he answered. standing a little on one side. He strolled down towards the gun room. "Let me come with you. I am expecting Lady Dominey. "Why. where Middleton and a couple of beaters were waiting for him with the dogs."Not a bit. "We never have had." she answered." She shook her head a little sadly. "I knew all the cars were full for the eleven o'clock. or will you put on one of your pretty gowns and entertain me downstairs at luncheon? It is a very long time since we had a meal alone together. and alas! I know it. Things which I do not understand depress
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. then?" Seaman had reached his side now and was out of earshot of the others. No! No tears!" he added quickly. Everard. "Hullo. He had scarcely taken a step towards them. and suddenly. It is what I told you before." Seaman began. I thought you went by the early train from Thursford Station?" "Missed it by two minutes. "Remember there is nothing but happiness for you now. "Do not think me indiscreet. then." he promised. "I can't bear to let you go. "I returned without the knowledge of any one." Seaman replied with a glance towards the beaters. when he stopped short. "and I will be the shadow of your desires. Whoever I am or am not. Will you come with me. "You know that. Come and walk down the avenue with me a short way. "I think I shall take a gun now and stroll down the meadows and across the rough ground. and then wandered out into the courtyard. as though finding it insufficient." he answered. "Trying to solve the mystery of Johann Wolff's sudden departure last night. with his eyes fixed upon the windows of the servants' quarters. stood by the fire for a moment. I'll be very quiet. aren't we?" He raised her fingers to his lips and kissed them. as she turned away. But we are going on pretending. twined her arms around his neck and kissed him." They passed through the thin iron gates and paced along one of the back entrances to the Hall. Will you wait ten minutes for me?" "Of course. "You shall pretend all that you like. that is my one aim in life. To his amazement Seaman was there." "And where have you been to for the last few hours.

"or else—" "Well?" "My last supposition sounds absurd." Seaman confessed. "I would like to remain here until your return. let him get on with it. We are doing our job here in the most perfect and praiseworthy fashion. Wolff did not accompany your butler to the station." "Proceed. if you show too much interest in this man's disappearance. We neither of us have the ghost of a secret to hide from his employers.me." "In a sense that is true." Dominey begged. would he. Seaman. "Wolff would scarcely have been an easy man to abduct." Dominey enjoined. and we will see whether Parkins cannot find us a bottle of that old Burgundy for lunch." Seaman admitted. "I gather that Wolff must have had friends in the neighbourhood. "It is immaterial! What is material is that there is a sort of conspiracy amongst the servants here to conceal the manner of his leaving. cheer up." Seaman begged. Outside the window of the room which I found locked were the marks of footsteps and the tracks of a small car. entirely by accident. well." Dominey reminded him." "And what do you gather from all this?" Dominey asked. Do not interrupt me." Seaman replied. turning on his heel a little abruptly as he saw Rosamund standing in the avenue." Seaman promised. and my instinct is never wrong. "but the whole matter is so incomprehensible that I was going to say—or else he was forcibly removed. that Mr. "and set the servants talking. "Well. "I cannot bring myself to treat this Johann Wolff business seriously. "I learned this morning. I will ask no more questions of your servants." he remarked. "Take a little walk with us. I beg! Early this morning there was a fresh fall of snow which has now disappeared." Dominey laughed softly. "but there are certain things which I cannot help." "I shall be careful. How does that sound?" "If you will excuse me from taking the walk." he concluded. Granted that the man was a spy. "even if we could hit upon any plausible reason for such a thing! As a matter of fact. I work always from instinct." "You are more likely to do harm." "And how did you find that out?" Dominey demanded. but I know that
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. and behold! I have found proof this morning of a further significance in Wolff's sudden departure. Pelham's servant was either mistaken or willfully deceived me. then.

"Then we shall lunch a deux after all! Delightful! I have my wish!" There was a sudden glow in Dominey's face. "S.
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. "Shall I ever have mine?" he asked. "Back to London. There were only a few lines: "I am following an idea. a glow which was instantly suppressed. It takes me to London. Let us meet there within a few days." "Has he really gone?" Rosamund asked. which the former tore open as his companion stood warming her feet in front of the fire." She laughed happily.there is something mysterious about the sudden departure of Johann Wolff. with a queer little break in his voice." Dominey and Rosamund returned about one o'clock to find a note from Seaman.

Chapter

25

Terniloff and Dominey, one morning about six months later, lounged underneath a great elm tree at Ranelagh, having iced drinks after a round of golf. Several millions of perspiring Englishmen were at the same moment studying with dazed wonder the headlines in the midday papers. "I suppose," the Ambassador remarked, as he leaned back in his chair with an air of lazy content, "that I am being accused of fiddling while Rome burns." "Every one has certainly not your confidence in the situation," Dominey rejoined calmly. "There is no one else who knows quite so much," Terniloff reminded him. Dominey sipped his drink for a moment or two in silence. "Have you the latest news of the Russian mobilisation?" he asked. "They had some startling figures in the city this morning." The Prince waved his hand. "My faith is not founded on these extraneous incidents," he replied. "If Russia mobilises, it is for defence. No nation in the world would dream of attacking Germany, nor has Germany the slightest intention of imperilling her coming supremacy amongst the nations by such crude methods as military enterprise. Servia must be punished, naturally, but to that, in principle, every nation in Europe is agreed. We shall not permit Austria to overstep the mark." "You are at least consistent, Prince," Dominey remarked. Terniloff smiled. "That is because I have been taken behind the scenes," he said. "I have been shown, as is the privilege of ambassadors, the mind of our rulers. You, my friend," he went on, "spent your youth amongst the military faction. You think that you are the most important people in Germany. Well, you are not. The Kaiser has willed it otherwise. By-the-by, I had yesterday a most extraordinary cable from Stephanie." Dominey ceased swinging his putter carelessly over the head of a daisy and turned his head to listen.

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"Is she on the way home?" "She is due in Southampton at any moment now. She wants to know where she can see me immediately upon her arrival, as she has information of the utmost importance to give me." "Did she ever tell you the reason for her journey to Africa?" "She was most mysterious about it. If such an idea had had any logical outcome, I should have surmised that she was going there to seek information as to your past." "She gave Seaman the same idea," Dominey observed. "I scarcely see what she has to gain. In Africa, as a matter of fact," he went on, "my life would bear the strictest investigation." "The whole affair is singularly foolish," the Prince declared, "Still, I am not sure that you have been altogether wise. Even accepting your position, I see no reason why you should not have obeyed the Kaiser's behest. My experience of your Society here is that love affairs between men and women moving in the same circles are not uncommon." "That," Dominey urged, "is when they are all tarred with the same brush. My behaviour towards Lady Dominey has been culpable enough as it is. To have placed her in the position of a neglected wife would have been indefensible. Further, it might have affected the position which it is in the interests of my work that I should maintain here." "An old subject," the Ambassador sighed, "best not rediscussed. Behold, our womenkind!" Rosamund and the Princess had issued from the house, and the two men hastened to meet them. The latter looked charming, exquisitely gowned, and stately in appearance. By her side Rosamund, dressed with the same success but in younger fashion, seemed almost like a child. They passed into the luncheon room, crowded with many little parties of distinguished and interesting people, brilliant with the red livery of the waiters, the profusion of flowers—all that nameless elegance which had made the place society's most popular rendezvous. The women, as they settled into their places, asked a question which was on the lips of a great many English people of that day. "Is there any news?" Terniloff perhaps felt that he was the cynosure of many eager and anxious eyes. He smiled light-heartedly as he answered: "None. If there were, I am convinced that it would be good. I have been allowed to play out my titanic struggle against Sir Everard without interruption."

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"I suppose the next important question to whether it is to be peace or war is, how did you play?" the Princess asked. "I surpassed myself," her husband replied, "but of course no ordinary human golfer is of any account against Dominey. He plays far too well for any self-respecting Ger—" The Ambassador broke off and paused while he helped himself to mayonnaise. "For any self-respecting German to play against," he concluded. Luncheon was a very pleasant meal, and a good many people noticed the vivacity of the beautiful Lady Dominey whose picture was beginning to appear in the illustrated papers. Afterwards they drank coffee and sipped liqueurs under the great elm tree on the lawn, listening to the music and congratulating themselves upon having made their escape from London. In the ever-shifting panorama of gaily-dressed women and flannel-clad men, the monotony of which was varied here and there by the passing of a diplomatist or a Frenchman, scrupulously attired in morning clothes, were many familiar faces. Caroline and a little group of friends waved to them from the terrace. Eddy Pelham, in immaculate white, and a long tennis coat with dark blue edgings, paused to speak to them on his way to the courts. "How is the motor business, Eddy?" Dominey asked, with a twinkle in his eyes. "So, so! I'm not quite so keen as I was. To tell you the truth," the young man confided, glancing around and lowering his voice so that no one should share the momentous information, "I was lucky enough to pick up a small share in Jere Moore's racing stable at Newmarket, the other day. I fancy I know a little more about gee-gees than I do about the inside of motors, what?" "I should think very possibly that you are right," Dominey assented, as the young man passed on with a farewell salute. Terniloff looked after him curiously. "It is the type of young man, that," he declared, "which we cannot understand. What would happen to him, in the event of a war? In the event of his being called upon, say, either to fight or do some work of national importance for his country?" "I expect he would do it," Dominey replied. "He would do it pluckily, whole-heartedly and badly. He is a type of the upper-class young Englishman, over-sanguine and entirely undisciplined. They expect, and their country expects for them that in the case of emergency pluck would take the place of training."

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The Right Honourable Gerald Watson stood upon the steps talking to the wife of the Italian Ambassador. She left him presently, and he came strolling down the lawn with his hands behind his back and his eyes seeming to see out past the golf links. "There goes a man," Terniloff murmured, "whom lately I have found changed. When I first came here he met me quite openly. I believe, even now, he is sincerely desirous of peace and amicable relations between our two countries, and yet something has fallen between us. I cannot tell what it is. I cannot tell even of what nature it is, but I have an instinct for people's attitude towards me, and the English are the worst race in the world at hiding their feelings. Has Mr. Watson, I wonder come under the spell of your connection, the Duke of Worcester? He seemed so friendly with both of us down in Norfolk." Their womenkind left them at that moment to talk to some acquaintances seated a short distance way. Mr. Watson, passing within a few yards of them, was brought to a standstill by Dominey's greeting. They talked for a moment or two upon idle subjects. "Your news, I trust, continues favourable?" the Ambassador remarked, observing the etiquette which required him to be the first to leave the realms of ordinary conversation. "It is a little negative in quality," the other answered, after a moment's hesitation. "I am summoned to Downing Street again at six o'clock." "I have already confided the result of my morning despatches to the Prime Minister," Terniloff observed. "I went through them before I came down here," was the somewhat doubtful reply. "You will have appreciated, I hope, their genuinely pacific tone?" Terniloff asked anxiously. His interlocutor bowed and then drew himself up. It was obvious that the strain of the last few days was telling upon him. There were lines about his mouth, and his eyes spoke of sleepless nights. "Words are idle things to deal with at a time like this," he said. "One thing, however, I will venture to say to you, Prince, here and under these circumstances. There will be no war unless it be the will of your country." Terniloff was for a moment unusually pale. It was an episode of unrecorded history. He rose to his feet and raised his hat. "There will be no war," he said solemnly. The Cabinet Minister passed on with a lighter step. Dominey, more clearly than ever before, understood the subtle policy which had chosen

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I believe in the honesty of the English politicians. "In a time like this."
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. and the two men strolled away towards the first tee." Dominey rose willingly to his feet. The too-nimble brain of the diplomat has its parallel of insincerity in the people whose interests he seems to guard. "have brought the English great weal. I wonder?—has written that no island could ever breed a race of diplomatists. he is returning from Germany to-night. "By the by. as they may bring to her much woe. I have placed that belief on record in the small volume of memoirs which I shall presently entrust to you." he remarked significantly." "Curiously enough.for his great position a man as chivalrous and faithful and yet as simpleminded as Terniloff." the Ambassador said thoughtfully. He is coming direct to me. But we talk too seriously for a summer afternoon. Let us illustrate to the world our opinion of the political situation and play another nine holes at golf." Terniloff asked." Dominey announced. He looked after the retreating figure of the Cabinet Minister with a slight smile at the corner of his lips. "what of our cheerful little friend Seaman? He ought to be busy just now." "The seas which engirdle this island. "I expect him at Berkeley square. "one begins to understand why one of our great writers—was it Bernhardi.

" he assured her. with some notable pictures upon the walls. to all dwellers in London. of poignant memories. and we divide it. Dominey and Rosamund dined alone. Although it lacked the splendid proportions of the banqueting hall at Dominey. handsomely furnished dining-room of his town house in Berkeley Square. Rosamund rose to her feet and. After which we listen for a ring at the bell. and feel the thrill of the music. pointed for the servant to place a chair for her by Dominey's side. which seemed to come to
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. So let us make the most of the time until he comes. Everard. instead of leaving the room. "when the ladies have left. "I am so happy in London here with you. "then you peel me one of those peaches. and though the table had been reduced to its smallest proportions." "A visitor?" "Not a social one. Dominey long remembered his dinner that evening in the sombre. To-night I expect a visitor." he declared. Everard. as though belonging to another set of days and another world. and with a wonderful ceiling and fireplace. the space between them was yet considerable. reasserting themselves afterwards with a curious sense of unreality. I can read and understand the books which were a maze of print to me before. "A matter of business which I fear will take me from you for the rest of the evening. of vivid impressions. I can see the things in the pictures." she said. it was still a fine apartment. Now what do we do? Tell stories? I promise you that I will be a wonderful listener.Chapter
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These were days. filling her glass." She commenced her task with the peach. and draw up to your side. and I feel all the time so strong and well. her delicate shape and artistic fragility more than ever accentuated by the sombreness of the background." she declared. furnished in the Georgian period. As soon as Parkins had gravely put the port upon the table. talking to him all the time a little gravely. a sweet and picturesque picture of a graceful and very desirable woman. "I shall be like your men friends." "First of all you drink half a glass of this port. "Do you know.

It is wonderful that you should mind so much. That is why he was never able to come back. as the fancy took him. after a moment's pause. mad things. You live as though you had a life around you of which others knew nothing. but you do. "I must. "Of course. Then. "Mind!" "You are so like him and yet so different. "You drink so little wine." she insisted. You understand. before. laying her fingers upon his hand and looking at him curiously." she went on. a little hoarsely." "Mind?" he groaned. It was that which made me so nervous. if it had not been that I was already almost a wreck. "that was so terrible. because I know that. but don't interrupt.
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. on the other hand." he protested. you are always so self-controlled." Dominey begged. I think that I should even have been able to stand those awful moments when he came back to me. depositing his share of the peach upon his plate." she went on meditatively. the problem which I am just as far off solving as ever I was? Often I find myself comparing you with the Everard whom I married. he seemed to forget me altogether. he killed Roger Unthank that night. The Everard I remember would never have cared about being a magistrate or going into Parliament. often when I wanted him he was not there.me." she went on. somehow. all dislocated and discordant. He would have spent his time racing or yachting. covered with blood and reeling. "His kisses were not like yours. "I do not wonder." he answered gravely. You know." she answered. dear?" "Of course. but there are many times when I feel a dull pain in my heart. And yet—" "And yet what?" Dominey asked. whatever he or anybody else might say. he was very much more affectionate." "Do I fail so often to come up to his standard?" he asked. "I must. "How can I be cured when all the time there is the problem of you." she said very sadly." "Rosamund dear. "I think he loved me better than you. "Ah. dear. Everard." she insisted. I am not quite cured." she went on. It was that." "Why do you talk of these things to-night. hunting or shooting. and I love you for it. "that Doctor Harrison is proud of me for a patient. he did wild things. so serious. "You never fail. And he was far fonder of having me with him. looking at him with brimming eyes. even though I see how they distress you. Rosamund.

You are so kind to me." he reminded her softly. There were drops of moisture upon his forehead. a panama. blind-shielded windows came the raucous cry of a newsboy. in a light grey suit. her other arm stole around his neck. "but I think that he did. You make or mar my life." "That is quite true. and wait!" She sank back into her chair with a piquant and yet pathetic little grimace. "I will be patient. and a great strength. His voice had all the old ring in it. "But I don't want him to come back!" she cried. "He may come back at any moment. "I cannot tell you. Recollection came to Dominey. Will you please trust in me a little while longer? Believe me.—the stopping of a taxicab outside. with her eyes upon her plate." she went on. "that front doorbell summons me to rather an important interview. The fire which had leaped up within him was thrust back. "I want you!" Dominey sat for a moment motionless. Rosamund. but you shall tell me this. There were new lines in his face and a queer expression of anxiety about his eyes." Dominey walked suddenly to the window and leaned out. There is something which you will have to be told. insistent ringing of the front doorbell. When he came back she was still sitting there. His response to her wave of passion was infinitely tender. because someday the real Everard might come back. something which is beginning to weigh upon me night and day. still looking down. her voice shook with passion."Why?" he demanded. I am not indifferent." she answered. dear Rosamund!" Seaman. "I have spoken to Doctor Harrison about it. and a white beflowered tie. You must care a little? Please?" He was standing up now. "More than for any woman on earth. And then another and sharper interruption. "He told me that you probably loved more than you dared to show. He was hot and tired with travel. I am not in any way cold. He kissed her hands fondly." She gripped his hand. "Dear Rosamund. He responded to Dominey's welcome with a
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. breaking the stillness of the summer evening." he said.—something with which I never reckoned. her voice scarcely audible. had lost something of the placid urbanity of a few months ago. "You tell me always to wait." she complained. She leaned towards him. Through the wide-flung. he felt the fierce need of air. like a figure of stone. the firm. Trust me. at the corners of which little wrinkles had begun to appear.

" "The man who came to us with messages from Schmidt in South Africa?" Dominey asked. from the commencement." Seaman replied. There we are. "It is nevertheless true." "But such a thing is against the law. "I had almost forgotten about him." he said. What was at the back of his visit to us that night I cannot even now imagine. When everything was served. "You have news?" Dominey asked. "No member of our service is allowed to remain more than one month without communicating his existence and whereabouts to headquarters. Seaman could wait no longer. No word has been received from Wolff since that night in January. On the other hand. He had been carrying a small. And afterwards the biggest cigar you have. I have indeed news." "The same." "It seems incredible. Neither is it clear why he held aloof from me. We will speak first of what is more than disturbing—a little terrifying. his speech. His appetite. brown despatch case. which he laid on the carpet by his side. that his visitor had come direct from the station. and finally sank into an easy-chair with a little gesture of relief. For a few moments they spoke trivialities of the journey. indirect information has reached us that he is in durance over here. from the dressingcase and coats in the hall. as though expecting to find some change." Dominey declared bluntly. and ice if you have it." Dominey protested. but scarcely so singular as the denouement. however. who am his superior in practically the same service. The mystery of Johann Wolff has been solved. news disturbing." Dominey gave some orders to the servant who answered his summons." Seaman smiled grimly. He had already surmised." Seaman insisted. "I have news. "Yes. seemed all stimulated to swift action. news astounding." Dominey rang the bell. "That I know. "We are of the same temperament. but it must be served here. "Also a plate of cold meat.fervour which was almost feverish. "A bottle of hock with seltzer water. news magnificent. "No country can keep the citizen of another country in prison without formulating a definite charge or bringing him up for trial. "What will you have?" he enquired. his thirst.
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. Wolff vanished from your house that night into an English fortress. scrutinised him closely. confronted with a very singular happening. and the door closed. unheard of." was the momentous reply.

The word has gone out. You are our great hope now." Dominey remarked.' Those are the words of the All Highest. By the end of August we shall be in Paris. His Majesty approves altogether of your reluctance to avail yourself of his permission to wed the Princess Eiderstrom. but it would not be. the most disquieting feature about Wolff is that it introduces something we don't understand." "They must have tracked him down there. "I have been received with favour in the very loftiest circles." he said. but the opportunity is too great. "Wolff has been a marked man for years. There are one or two Englishmen in German prisons at the present moment. These. "Yes. You followed your own purpose. if every statesman in Servia crawls to Vienna with a rope around his neck. we have many men as good. Seaman puffing out dense volumes
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. and set him down inside Norwich Castle or whatever prison he may be in." Seaman finished his meal in due course." "You bring news indeed!" Dominey murmured. but they couldn't thrust a pair of tongs into your butler's sittingroom. extract Johann Wolff. if it were of any use."That's all very well in any ordinary case. 'Von Ragastein has decided well. and the time for their utility is past." Seaman objected. then?" Seaman took a long and ecstatic draught of his hock and seltzer. In his eyes the greatest of all attributes is singleness of purpose. 'These are not the days for marriage or giving in marriage. The whole of Germany is like a vast military camp. the result would still be the same. Soon the two men were alone again. the days when an empire shall spring into being. concerning whose welfare the English Foreign Office has not even thought it worth while to enquire. "You and I both stand high in the list of those to whom great rewards shall come." "It is to be. and better.' he declared. contrary to my advice. the most momentous days the world has ever known. "It is to be. "However. If Russia ceases to mobilise to-morrow. contrary to Terniloff's. It comes exactly twelve months before the final day fixed by our great authorities." Seaman continued. You will gain by it. What troubles me more than the actual fact of Wolff's disappearance is the mystery of his visit to you and his apprehension practically on the spot. For the rest. "There was never any doubt about it. though. standing for a moment by the opened window. too wonderful for hesitation. Wilhelmstrasse would soon make fuss enough. the mightiest since the Continents fell into shape and the stars looked down upon this present world. and the tray was removed. Dominey." he declared solemnly.

"Explain it to me. This will show you the dream of our Kaiser. and the Ukraine will possess a certain degree of autonomous government. "it is a great country. For the rest. unlocked the little despatch box which stood by his side and took from it jealously a sheet of linen-backed parchment. Lithuania." he said. And for wealth—India and China! What more could you have. timber—they are all there for us to draw upon. The task of every one is allotted. our great and glorious destiny as the mightiest nation who has ever earned for herself the right to govern the world. I have a list of instructions for you. To-night I am on fire with the mighty things. Rations. with trembling fingers. tallow. Every regiment knows its station. were painted in dark blue. ours. For the first time he spoke directly to his companion." he said solemnly and impressively. every unit of which you can think. in which England. Courland. "There lies our future Empire. "Von Ragastein. their work made clear to them. brandishing it sometimes in his hand to give effect to his words. was painted a deep scarlet. You would think that in Germany there was excitement. wheat. fats. There is none." he said. We will talk of our future. which will practically amount to nothing." "And the final result?" Dominey asked. every general knows his exact line of attack. Seaman laid his palm upon the map. "Is that also calculated?" Seaman. Raw materials of every description will be ours." He laid out a map upon the table. This will show you the framework of the empire that is to be. has its movements calculated out for it to the last nicety. one from Hamburg to Athens. oil. "You. Asia is there at our feet. gripping his cigar between his teeth. It was a map of Europe. Poland. many details.of smoke. a diminished France. Leather. They can wait. the other from Finland to the Black Sea. with here and there portions of it in slightly lighter colouring. hospitals. No longer will Great Britain control the supplies of the world. It is a wonderful empire we shall build. we move towards war. A little of his marvellous caution seemed to have deserted him." Dominey begged. "are one of the first to gaze upon this. the whole of the space included between two liens. Spain. The two men bent over it. my friend?"
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. my friend. everything between those two lines belongs to the new German Empire. clothing. Like a mighty piece of gigantic machinery. Portugal and Italy. every battery commander knows his positions. "Broadly speaking.

they will none the less be our vassal states when the last gun has been fired. mark you. my friend. Roumania must become a vassal state or be conquered. to drive a way through the heart of her empire?" "This. "is where genius steps in. There is no room in middle Europe for two empires." Seaman replied. "Our line of advance into France lies that way. must become part of the German Empire. We need her lusty manhood. But Sweden is ours. "Look at them."
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. if indeed such a thing should be. it means absorption. body and soul." Dominey muttered. as you observe are left in the lighter shade of red." he observed. Austria. If they do so." he said. is pledged. become vassal states. Holland and the Scandinavian countries. Norway has her western seaboard." "Belgium we shall occupy and enslave. and there might always be the question of British aid so far as she is concerned. We have secret agents now in every city and country place and throughout the army." "This is marvellously conceived. with Constantinople. and we need her ports to dominate the Thames. to be absorbed one by one as opportunity presents itself. If they remain. "Austria. More than any other of these vassal states. for later wars. Holland and Denmark may be incited to take the field against us. the finest cannon food in the world. Bulgaria is already ours. have gazed upon this picture of the future. probably also Montenegro. as they probably will. "must already feel her doom creeping upon her. you Von Ragastein. notwithstanding her countless millions of men. "but what of Russian with her millions? How is it that we propose. like Turkey. "has disappeared. We shall teach Russia how to make herself a free country. "They lie at our mercy. But there—it is enough. Bulgaria and Greece. She has timber and minerals which we also need. Russia has been ripe for a revolution any time for the last fifteen years. and the House of Hapsburg must fall before the House of Hohenzollern. scared neutrals. If an opportunity occurs. "Belgium." Seaman replied. First of all men in this country. Servia will be blotted from the map." he said. Turkey. These countries which are painted in fainter red. it is our master's plan to bring her into complete subjection."You take my breath away. But what about Austria?" Seaman's grin was almost sardonic." Dominey's finger strayed northward. Then further down." "And Norway and Sweden?" Seaman looked down at the map and smiled. Greece will either join us or be wiped out. to help ourselves to her richest provinces. body and soul.

a moderate man." Dominey folded it carefully up. That one is for you.
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. but when you are alone. then. It was curious that he. crossed the room. passing his hand over his forehead. "And what of my own work?" Seaman helped himself to a liqueur. almost your daily life. He was. His companion shook his head. It shall be your inspiration. It is yours." he assured his departing guest. "Baron Von Ragastein. after all!" Dominey exclaimed. as my greatest treasure. We shall go over it within a day or so." he said. as a rule. Then perhaps our attitude towards England may change a little! Now I go. it shall lighten your moments of depression." "Terniloff is right. according to your behest. too. for the first time in his life upon the same day. For the second time that almost satyr-like grin on Seaman's face revolted him. Seaman laughed scornfully.Dominey shivered a little with an almost involuntary repulsion. unlocked a little safe and deposited it therein. This last week has been one of fierce excitements. it shall fill your mind with pride and wonder. "it is not that we desire her friendship. "My brain is weary. It is that we may crush her the more easily when Calais. has been planned. friend. "I shall guard it. but this was the third time he had replenished his glass since his hasty meal. The thoughts jump about. give you courage when you are in danger. Everything. Boulogne and Havre are in our hands. bring it out and study it. with a fervour which surprised even himself. addressed his host differently. That will be in three months' time." Dominey folded up the map with reluctance. It is our great aim to keep England out of the war. "If we want England out of the war. "I have a great fatigue. Lock it away and guard it as though it were your greatest treasure on earth. remember this. Meanwhile." he pointed out. "there are six of those maps in existence." he admitted.

about the brief telephone message which Dominey received. James's Street and along Pall Mall and presented himself at Carlton House Terrace. still familiar yet already curiously changed. and it was only by the intervention of Terniloff's private secretary. Inside. The incredible had happened. "Von Ragastein. with its rows of flower boxes. He broke off immediately his visitor was announced and dismissed every one. who was awaiting him. the steamroller fetish was to be evolved. from Carlton House Terrace. Black tragedy leaned over the land. The happy-go-luck years of peace and plenty had suddenly come to an end. stretched her grey hands over the sunlit city. the great white building. Externally. Dominey. the anteroom was crowded with callers. passed down St. The long-discussed war—the nightmare of the nervous. not so many hours later. But on this particular morning. who had never even been to a review in his life. In a few minutes he was moving through the streets. however. could make calculations of man power with a stump of pencil on the back of an old envelope. his own mind in a curious turmoil. in the most lurid sense of the word. In a day or two all this was to be changed. every chance acquaintance had stopped to confer with his fellows. including his secretaries. which would convince the greatest pessimist that Germany and Austria were outnumbered by at least three to one. alternately the joke and bogey of the conversationalist. Then he locked the door. that Dominey was able to reach the inner sanctum where the Ambassador was busy dictating letters. people were too stunned for calculations. Men and women were going about their business as usual. showed no signs of undue perturbation." he groaned.Chapter
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There was something dramatic. but an air of stupefaction was everywhere apparent. "I am a broken man!"
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. avoiding acquaintances as far as possible. People went about then counting the Russian millions. Practically every loiterer was studying a newspaper. The most peaceful stockbroker or shopkeeper. War. Even the lightest-hearted felt a thrill of apprehension at the thought of the horrors that were to come. the derision of the optimist—had actually materialised.

unlocked one of the smaller safes.Dominey grasped his hand sympathetically. But all the time those for whom I laboured were making faces behind my back. "I beg you. Von Ragastein. and returned to Dominey. It is written up to yesterday. and the existence of these memoirs is known. their fate is assured. It would have better if I had remained and played the country farmer on my estates. and I was wrong. although my heart is bitter against those who are bringing this blot upon our country." "You mean if the governing party in German should change?" "Precisely! They would then form at once my justification. I am a German and a patriot. a diary which I have been keeping of my work in this country." Dominey reminded him." he went on a little bitterly. which stood against the side of the wall." he continued. Perhaps even your own allegiance to the Party you serve may waver for a moment as you read. I have worked for peace with honourable men who were just as anxious as I was to secure it. to say farewell and make a confession. Terniloff seemed to have aged years even in the last few hours. I know now that nothing in this world could have hindered what is coming. It is an absolutely faithful narrative of my work here. "to say farewell. "why I give it into your keeping."
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. The moment I reach Germany. withdrew a morocco-bound volume the size of a small portfolio. "I have worked for peace. "Not long ago I spoke of a little volume. It will tell you of all my efforts and how they were foiled. For that reason." Terniloff went on. You have asked me for it several times lately. "that you did your best for peace. these memoirs must be kept in a safe place until I see a good use for them. "I sent for you. Even the Embassy here is not free from our own spies." The Prince crossed the room. You were right. and place English diplomacy in such a light before the saner portion of my fellow countrymen that an honourable peace might be rendered possible. You can judge. and the English response to it." His visitor still remained silent. I am going to show it to you now." "Every one will at least realise." he said earnestly. Study them carefully. "to read this with the utmost care and to await my instructions with regard to it. no doubt. There was so little that he could say. I was never shrewd enough to see until now that I have been made the cat'spaw of the very men whose policy I always condemned." "That is one reason why I sent for you. "believing that my country wanted peace. I promised to show it to you. I was nothing more nor less than their tool." was the agitated reply.

" he said. was he not? What do you think he would have done now that this terrible war has come?"
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. "We shall get home about nine. my friend. Farewell!" Dominey found a taxicab in Pall Mall and drove back to Berkeley Square. "Rosamund dear. startled." "You're not going away?" she cried. He found Rosamund with a little troop of dogs." "There is no other commission?" Dominey asked. "Alas! there is no time for us to enter into one of our old arguments on the ethics of government." he went on. My departure is arranged for as though I were royalty. "Dear." "I shall order the touring car at three o'clock. "the time has come which many people have been dreading. I am bound to wish you Godspeed. You have a terrible task before you. We are at war. "I couldn't bear that! No one could ever be so sweet as you have been to me." Terniloff sighed. Yet believe me. and every one is so excited. There are one or two things I must settle before I take up some fresh work. just entering the gardens. Von Ragastein. "London is getting so hot." "Dear. For myself I shall not raise my head again until I have left England. Does that suit you?" "Delightfully!" He took her arm and they paced slowly along the hot walk."I serve no Party." she murmured." "I should love it. "even though there is still that black cloud between us. taking her arm. these last few months." she declared enthusiastically. every act of courtesy and generosity which I receive in these moments. and crossed to her side. "No other way in which I can serve you?" "None. "would you mind very much coming down to Norfolk for a few days?" "With you?" she asked quickly." Dominey said quietly. bites into my heart. "Yes! I want to be in retreat for a short time. Parkins and your maid can go down by train." "I know." he asked." Terniloff answered sadly. "You and I have had quite a happy time together. "only my Country. He was a soldier once for a short time. I have tried to treat you as kindly and tenderly as though I were really your husband and you were indeed my wife. "I am permitted to suffer no inconveniences. "I want you to think—of your husband—of Everard. I must send you away." Dominey told her." he said.

"I have been trying to be kind to Rosamund. too. a little mysteriously." "You know the proverb about the old roue. "I am not sure. Caroline had come to him with a little shrug of the shoulders. "That is why I must leave you for an hour now while I make some calls. "and finding out instead how unnecessary it is. She is quite the most popular of the younger married women in our set. His mind had wandered for a moment."He would have done what you will do. "something I want to ask you. a large black hat. Directly afterwards we must start. she had been amazingly successful. I shall be back to luncheon." she answered. "I shall go in and tell Justine about the packing. She seemed curiously reluctant to let him go. "Everard." she answered." She held on to his arm. as they reached the gate. Her stockings. when you are in town as when you are in the country?" He was a little taken aback at her question—asked. Everard. The very aberration it suggested seemed altogether denied by her appearance." she said. "There is something I want to say to him. Life is not going to be very easy for the next few days. Paris shoes. were carefully chosen. Socially." "And so must I—fight for my country. perhaps?" "That is the strange part of it. too. There's an empty taxi. "He would have become a soldier again. dear?" he repeated. all the trifling details of her toilette. "I think so." he assured her. in the country I still remember sometimes that awful night when I so nearly lost my reason. I have many things to arrange first. Don't I seem so to you?" She shook her head. Only the week before." he declared. "There is nothing in the world I want so much to do. he would have fought for his country." she confided. "The same person. and her clothes themselves gracefully and naturally worn. her gloves." she said. dear. "when we are at Dominey shall I be able to see Doctor Harrison?" "Of course. He realised Rosamund's question with a little start." he had replied. I have never seen you as you looked that night." "You would rather not go back. You don't deserve such luck." she added. Are you the same person. Everard. "You see. too." she replied. She was wearing a dress of black and white muslin. with the slightest possible tremor in her tone. with such almost plaintive seriousness. though."
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with an engine and all the machinery of their craft." the man went on. My men are all wearing extra leggings to keep them from being bitten by them adders—as long as my arm. had gazed upon the great bridge of planks leading into the wood. in the hope of some strange discovery into the tents of the men who were camping out. The matter of the war was promptly forgotten. every man. "I don't know as I ever came across a bit of woodland as was so utterly. had listened to the whirr of machinery. though we've a matter of five hundred planks down there." "Come across anything unusual yet?" "We ain't come across anything that isn't unusual so far." "How long will it take?" "Matter of three weeks. had peered. It's not worth a snap of the fingers. on the morning after his arrival. "the old lady in the distance there
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. as big and as fierce as a young tigress.—from the farm labourer to the farmer. "It's a dirty bit of work. from the school children to their homes. sir. sir. sends out a smell enough to make a man faint. It's a queer job.—Begging your pardon. a strange rumour spread through Dominey and the district. woman and child in the place had paid an awed visit to the outskirts of the wood. the wood crumbles when you touch it. The men themselves were not communicative. hopelessly rotten. And there's fungus there which. sir. and the first time the foreman had been known to open his mouth was when Dominey walked down to discuss progress. had started to work razing to the ground everything in the shape of tree or shrub at the north end of the Black Wood. Before the second day. A gang of woodmen from a neighbouring county. and when we've got the timber out you'll be well advised to burn it. some of 'em. and the men have to be within reach of one another the whole of the time. sir. sir." he confided.Chapter
28
Within the course of the next few days. when you touch it. from the village post-office to the neighbouring hamlets. Why. We killed a cat the first day.

" he enquired. and Dominey passed on. "Well. "Will you dare to tell me why I should not. "Mrs. Unthank. they burn. Mrs. We may live to see a field of corn there." he began— She interrupted him. Parkins announced a visitor. Afterwards. "You see.hangs about the whole of the time. "Those men are going to cut and hew their way from one end of the Black Wood to the other." she begged. Sir Everard Dominey?" she demanded. Unthank?" She relapsed into silence. dear?" "I know what you are doing out there. I shall have it drained.—Everard!" "Yes. Unthank was making every effort to keep under control her fierce discomposure. Unthank. please. Mrs. "You must go. Mrs." Dominey replied. as Rosamund and he were lingering over their dessert. On a mound a little distance away in the park." he answered. She rose as Dominey entered the room and dropped an old-fashioned curtsey. enjoying the strange quiet and the wonderful breeze which crept in at the open window. Mrs." Dominey swung around. even in the morning light she was a repellent figure. but nodded as Dominey glanced towards her enquiringly." "You will dare to do this?" she asked hoarsely. Rachael Unthank was standing. her white cheeks and strange eyes. sir. "What are those men doing. As they cut. with an odd little note of passion in her tone. unrelieved by any trace of colour. Dominey strolled across to her. Unthank is in the library. "She would be glad if you could spare her five minutes. until not a tree or a bush remains upright. "What is your will with the wood?" "I am carrying out a determination I came to in the winter." Rosamund shivered slightly. Her skinny hand was stretched out towards the wood. although you have never said a word to me about it. Mrs. "what can I do for you?"
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. "Don't let me see her." she continued. Unthank. of course. Let them cut and burn and hew till there isn't room for a mouse to hide." he announced. But that night. Some of my men are half scared of her. You promise?" "I promise. "Don't let her persuade you to stop. In her rusty black clothes.

"Your son stole out from the shadow of that wood. I was glad to get away alive. It was you who nursed my wife into insanity. after all that she has suffered. Mrs. then his death was not at my door. showing her yellow teeth. Your son was a lonely. it was he. Unthank. Dominey looked at her calmly. "You mean to disturb the spirit of him whose body you threw there?" she persisted. Her only feeling concerning him was one of fear. attacked me in a cowardly manner." she confessed." he reminded her. Mrs. that the whole countryside knows. I never touched his body. Unthank. notwithstanding my superior strength. The fire in her narrowed eyes was the fire of hatred. "that you'd rotted to death in Africa!" "You carry your evil feelings far. His passion for Lady Dominey was uninvited and unreciprocated. Its very presence there." "What is your objection. is a menace to Lady Dominey's nerves. Lady Dominey would have been in a mad-house today. And as for you." the woman muttered. and the calling of the men. "I can't bear it. "There's evil will come to you if you do. He sought for my life as I never sought for his. and we fought. Unthank."It's about the wood again. "Plenty of evil has come to me from that wood as it is." "I would to Heaven!" the woman cried. Unthank." "You'd done him wrong. If he crept into the wood and died there. and. "I am no murderer. Mrs. Mrs. "It is nothing more nor less than a noisome pest-hole." he said. If either of us had murder in our hearts. Her lips had shrunk apart. Unthank. not I. I am determined to sweep it from the face of the earth. It was you who fed her with the horror of your son's so-called spirit. "I think that you have had your revenge. Give up this foolish idea that the Black Wood is still the home of
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." Dominey went on. "Take my advice." he replied. to the destruction of the Black Wood?" Dominey asked bluntly. Mrs. he fought like a madman. It lay where he fell. sir. He was mad when he attacked me. I think that if I had stayed away another two years. a morose and an illliving man. "That again is false. Sir Everard. after a moment's pause. All night long I seem to hear those axes. Some sort of evil seemed to have lit in her face." she declared doggedly." The forced respect was already beginning to disappear from her manner.

of the Black Wood may remain standing. "I have been obliged to leave my port untasted for want of a companion. You will find it a little difficult. at any rate. Unthank." Dominey replied. "has never believed it. I am a hard and fast materialist." he went on. "Who else?" "There's one. after a moment's pause." Dominey found Rosamund and Doctor Harrison. Her manner was sullen and unyielding.—You must excuse my ringing the bell. who had walked over from the village. Doctor. "Personally." she warned him. and the doctor followed his host into the dining-room and took his seat at the table where the dessert still remained. and I have not the slightest faith in the vindictive mother. in certain matters. and that's her ladyship." Dominey answered. with a keen glance from under his shaggy grey eyebrows." He moved across the room to throw open a window. You're a harder man than the Everard Dominey I remember. though. Mrs. Her eyes followed him wonderingly. "the present situation is beginning to confirm an old suspicion of mine. "there has been a word spoken here and there about you." she went on.your son's spirit. I've heard strange talk from the people who've come under your masterful ways. He welcomed the latter warmly. "that if they come I shall know how to deal with them. "You are asking for the evil things. terrified to death lest the razing of a wood of unwholesome character should turn out into the cold world the spirit of her angel son. Go and live on your annuity in another part of the country and forget. "and a portion." he declared. "Be assured. lingering on the terrace. You will excuse us for a moment Rosamund?" She nodded pleasantly. Doctor. "I think she means it. you know. "You are a godsend. "I have heard a rumour." She rose unwillingly to her feet. I've had my doubts sometimes. I have them again every time you speak. "Old woman threatening mischief?" the latter asked." she said slowly. What if you should be an impostor?" "You have only to prove that. Are you really Everard Dominey?" He swung around and faced her. I see no object in asking you to remain longer. as he filled his guest's glass." Dominey replied."
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"It would sound too fantastic. a little harshly. and hesitated." Dominey. dear?" She nodded thoughtfully. Will you let the maids know." Dominey interrupted. "I shouldn't wonder if you weren't on the right track.—I am hoping great things from what may happen to-night. He would like a room in our wing. I want you to do me a great favour—to remain here all night. "Of course! There are several rooms quite ready. "The matter is urgent." the doctor observed. I am quite sure that we can make Doctor Harrison comfortable. Lady Dominey. "I have followed your advice. "Why are you two whispering like conspirators?" she demanded. "Because we are conspirators. You will not be afraid." the doctor promised." "Your note this afternoon spoke of urgency. By-the-by. with a thick cord tied round his body. "You think that to-night something will happen?" she asked. his eyes fixed upon
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. and a loaded stick in his hand. or one night very soon. changed into ordinary morning clothes. where Rosamund is away from these associations." There was a shade of anxiety in her face. Rosamund came in through the window to them and seated herself by Dominey's side. or very soon. to be prepared." she answered a little enigmatically." "You are expecting something to happen?" "I wish. Midgeley thought that we might be bringing down some guests. "It is just as well for you to be prepared. "I have persuaded Doctor Harrison to stay the night." "I'll stay." the doctor declared. a revolver in his pocket." he replied lightly." "No doubt about that. "Let me be as near to your apartment as possible."What do you believe?" the doctor asked bluntly. "It has not always been easy." Dominey answered. especially in London." he declared. with pleasure. "You can lend me some paraphernalia. Mrs." The doctor nodded sympathetically. at any rate. spent the remainder of the night and part of the early morning concealed behind a great clump of rhododendrons." Dominey assented. "I have been so happy lately." "I am only afraid of one thing. I suppose? And give me a shake-down somewhere near Lady Dominey's. "To-night. "I would rather not tell you at the present moment. or rather your orders. dear? You will have the doctor on one side of you and me on the other." he began.

the whole landscape and the moving objects upon it were dimly visible. and when his eyes were once accustomed to the pale but sombre twilight. Deliberately he waited. dying away as though the fingers which crushed it back down the straining throat had indeed crushed with it the last flicker of some unholy life. Dominey waited till even its echoes had died away. unearthly scream. paused beneath Rosamund's window. which came from behind a range of low hillocks. The patter ceased and began again. just as he had glanced at his watch and found that it was close upon two o'clock." he said.—a stretch of the open park between himself and the hillocks. His voice was choked and uneven. It moved at first upon all fours. Every sense was strained and active. came the first real intimation that something was likely to happen. was predominant—heard and accounted for. On the ground. throbbing a little as though with a new fear. the irregularity of its movements swiftly explained. every night sound—of which the hooting of some owls. The beast!"
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. then on all fours again. For the first time Dominey showed some signs of a lack of self-control. to have reestablished themselves. Once more." "Bosh!" the doctor answered. "It's Roger Unthank himself. a few moments later. a few yards away.the shadowy stretch of park which lay between the house and the Black Wood. laid aside his stick. "It's tied up. hand and foot. The habits of his years of bush life seemed instinctively. "What is it?" the doctor gasped. You can see where the spirit of Roger Unthank has hidden itself. that devil's cry broke the deep stillness of the August morning. It reached the terrace. When Doctor Harrison made his hurried appearance. for the last time. Then he ran a few steps. lay something black and motionless. Into the open there came a dark shape. The night was moonless but clear. furiously smoking a cigarette. He raised himself on his hands and knees to watch. with grim contempt. waited for what he knew must soon come. Doctor. Then the deep silence of the breathless night was broken by that familiar. and Dominey. His eyes were fastened upon a certain spot. in those few hours of waiting. It crept nearer and nearer. he found Dominey seated upon the terrace. and stretched out his hands. curious and irregular in rhythm. now barely half a dozen yards from where he was crouching. Moving across the park towards him he heard the sound of a faint patter. disturbed from their lurking place in the Black Wood. then on two legs. as he watched. And then. bent double. "Go and look at it.

The rest of you. The man. will you go up and see Lady Dominey?" The habits of a lifetime broke down. Her hands rested upon the unseen face. Moving with incredible swiftness came the gaunt. however. He is still alive but in a disgusting state. black figure of Rachael Unthank. "I suppose." There was a little awed murmur. of course—he has chosen to hide himself in the Black Wood all these years. I have nothing to say to you. was half a madman when he came to the neighbourhood and has behaved like one ever since. Say that if I do not come in during the day. yet in their midst before they could realise it. "What is it. half man. His mother." Dominey said sternly. by whom he imagined himself badly treated. half beast. The car will be here in two minutes. of these foolish superstitions about Roger Unthank's ghost. "Ring up the garage. Unthank. Then one of them paused and pointed across the park." Dominey continued."
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. the immaculate. At that moment Parkins would not have asked in vain for an annuity. "and I shall want one of the men to go into Norwich to the hospital. I presume.A little stream of servants came running out. For some reason or other—some lunatic's reason. her eyes glared across at Dominey. Your own conscience should be sufficient punishment for keeping that poor creature alive in such a fashion and ministering during my absence to his accursed desire for vengeance. Parkins. Dominey gave a few orders quickly. with the exception of Parkins. She staggered to the prostrate body and threw herself upon her knees. the silent. Dominey glanced at the little semicircle of servants and raised his voice." he directed. "you are in time to accompany your son to the hospital at Norwich. sir?" There was the sound of a window opening overhead." With little exclamations of wonder they began to disperse. Doctor. "Mrs. "It is the end." he continued. has been his accomplice and taken him food. a letter of explanation will follow from me. please go to bed. singling out a sturdy footman with sound common sense. swaying sometimes on her feet. There lies Roger Unthank. asked an eager question. "his first idea was to revenge himself upon us and this household. Dominey's voice had become quite matter of fact. I trust. the perfect automaton.—Johnson. "get ready to take this creature into Norwich Hospital. "So you've got him at last!" she gasped.

as soon as you have started."He would have died if I hadn't brought him food. She'll be unconscious. Johnson." she muttered. He has very little strength. I wish you both the blackest corner of hell. He pointed to the window above. without a word of remonstrance. come and get a whisky and soda and give me one!" The early morning sunshine lay upon the park when the two men at last separated. Their prisoner muttered to himself all the time. "If Lady Dominey recovers. You knew very well what their accursed object was—you. You'd have thought then that he was just a baby. or to-morrow. Dominey's reply was swift and not unkind. Rachael Unthank. I never liked that unnatural calm." With a little shiver the two men stooped to their task. If she never recovers. as she stepped in to take her place by his side. with a delicate woman in your charge who trusted you." Dominey ordered." Dominey insisted." he announced. They stood for a moment looking out." she sobbed. "perhaps forever. for a great many hours." "Yet. but made no resistance. Roger isn't always—so bad." The woman made no reply. bending over the prostrate figure. "you shared his foul plot for vengeance against a harmless woman. Doctor Harrison met Dominey on the threshold as he turned towards the house. For God's sake. beseeching him to come back to me. You are an evil pair. "You're rid of us. "Her ladyship is unconscious now. You let him come and make his ghoulish noises.
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. The little troop of men had left their tents. "Help him in. Sometimes he's more gentle than at others. Tell them at the hospital I shall probably be there during the day. from whose lips now came a faint moaning. "You are still going on with that?" the doctor asked. but of the two you are worse than your half-witted son.—You've said harsh things of both of us. She was a broken woman. "Perhaps that is a good sign. Then the lights of the car flashed out as it left the garage. She was still on her knees. If he comes to—" Her voice broke. night by night." The car drove off. under these windows. "You can loosen his cords. I think. living there for love of the wind and the trees and the birds. From the Black Wood came the whirr of a saw. turned once more to Dominey. passed through the iron gates and drew up a few yards away. The crash of a fallen tree heralded their morning's work. "I have wept all the tears a woman's broken heart could wring out. you and your son are forgiven.

" Dominey replied. with a sudden passion in his tone."To the very last stump of a tree. "Maybe you're right. My reign here may not be long." he conceded. to the last cluster of weeds. and I will have its poisonous swamps sucked dry. "I will have that place razed to the bare level of the earth. Doctor—I have my own tragedy to deal with—but those who come after me will never feel the blight of that accursed place." he went on. "ever since I realised what suffering it meant to her. I have hated that foul spot." The doctor grunted. to the last bush.
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. His inner thoughts he kept to himself.

The young man stood up. immaculate in a suit of white flannels. when a few minutes later Seaman was ushered into the room." the young man remarked amiably. He was seated at his desk. of you to have me down here. poring over some letters. "They will nab you for the Guards!" Dominey stepped back through the open windows into his study as Pelham strolled off." was the somewhat laconic answer. however. what is this?"
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." he said. I shall go to your man. "Should not be surprised. Seaman was perspiring. Then he realised his visitor's outstretched hands of welcome and he relaxed. "Expecting visitors to-day?" he asked. "Mine is only the local Yeomanry rig-out. "The country. the tunic of your uniform. his hand stretching out to a tumbler which stood by his side. It was the fifth day since the mystery of the Black Wood had been solved. Dominey! If a country in peril ever decides to waive the matter of my indifferent physique and send me out to the rescue." Dominey replied." Dominey smiled. What's the latest news of her ladyship?" "Still unconscious. lingering for a moment. is a paradise in this weather. In a chair by his side lounged Eddy Pelham.Chapter
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The heat of a sulphurous afternoon—a curious parallel in its presage of coming storm to the fast-approaching crisis in Dominey's own affairs—had driven Dominey from his study on to the terrace." he replied. old chap. For a single moment his muscles tightened. vociferous and excited. "I'll make myself scarce. "At last!" He exclaimed. seem perfectly satisfied. "Ripping." The young man abandoned the subject with a murmur of hopeful sympathy. "Donner und!—My God Dominey. "Jolly well cut. "The doctors. yawned and stretched himself. Everything depends on her waking moments. His eyes were fixed upon a little cloud of dust in the distance. "Jove!" he added approvingly. especially when London's so full of ghastly rumours and all that sort of thing. when you can get ice. his frame became tense.

my friend. you are thorough. What a day! The very clouds that hide the sun are full of sulphurous heat.
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." he went on. "I am a trifle over age to go with the first batch or two. Seaman drank and threw himself into an easy-chair. "Not at present. my friend. "drink I must have." he confided." Dominey answered. when I am away from you." "Both are safe. but you have in your possession just the two things—that map and Von Terniloff's memoirs—which would wreck our propaganda in every country of the world. Where have you been?" Seaman hitched his chair a little nearer. "I have orders to see it destroyed." Seaman replied. Drink before everything. We can talk of that presently. lowering his voice a little. "I felt I wanted to get away." he muttered. "do you know that you yourself are forgetting your usual caution?" "In what respect?" Seaman demanded quickly." he added. "You are a man after my own heart. ordered hock and seltzer and ice." "What has been decided?" "The Government has the matter under consideration." he went on." Dominey replied. "I can certainly give myself six months before I need to slip off. That is why. has been adjusted." Dominey explained. nodding his head towards his companion's uniform. Now tell me. with a chuckle. but you do not begin to count for us just yet. "By the by. Seaman mopped his forehead. That is why I had to get the Irish trip off my mind. I tremble. I have been asked to start some recruiting work down here. "we are the greatest race in the world. "I resigned a commission in the Norfolk Yeomanry. That little matter. It may sound foolish." Dominey assured him. At a crisis like this—" "My friend." Dominey explained. however. why do I find you down here?" "After Terniloff left." Dominey rang the bell. you are wonderful!" Seaman interrupted solemnly. "In Ireland. "It needs to be." "Terniloff—left his little volume with you?" "Yes!" "Where is it?" "Safe. There was just a faint doubt as to what they were doing to do about internment. "There is no fear of your being called out of the country because of that. Sometimes. "Sorry to desert you as I did. you leave nothing undone."Thirteen years ago. I hope?" he asked a little anxiously.

the situation must be dealt with as it exists." A car had passed along the avenue in front of the house. wearing a white tie. "You are quite right. However." Seaman thrust his hand into his pocket and threw the revolver upon the table." he added. You know as well as I do that with your name and the fact that you are only a naturalised Englishman. I took it with me to Ireland. He blinked across the room through his thick glasses. a knock at the door. it is inexcusably foolish to be carrying firearms about just now. alas! to see less of one another. "It is the last time for many months when it will be wise for us to meet on such intimate terms. So far as you are concerned you have practically secured yourself against suspicion. When I do approach you." Seaman echoed." Seaman continued. the rustle of a woman's clothes. from now on. Perhaps our dear friend Parkins will take vinous note of the occasion. and following her a short man in a suit of sombre black. my friend. and carrying a black bowler hat." "To the glory of our country. The
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. You will hold a brilliant and isolated place amongst those who are serving the great War Lord."As you stooped to sit down just now. "If I may. There was the sound of voices in the hall." he acknowledged." Dominey swept it carelessly into the drawer of the desk at which he was sitting. Parkins. You and I will have. a little disturbed. "Our weapons. Dominey. and Dominey knew that the end had come." Seaman assented. The door was closed behind them. "Take care of it for me. announced the arrivals. it will be for sympathy and assistance against the suspicions of those far-seeing Englishmen!" Dominey nodded. "You will stay the night?" he asked. "The Princess of Eiderstrom and—a gentleman. turning apologetically towards his master.—Listen. I distinctly saw the shape of your revolver in your hip pocket. because one never knows what may happen in that amazing country. The Princess was already in the room. The Princess said that her errand with you was urgent. sir. "you propose that we shall drink the Dominey cabinet hock and the Dominey port to the glory of our country. "So be it." Dominey said." "In other words. "must be the weapons of guile and craft. In many ways it is unfortunate that we have not been able to keep England out of this for a few more months.

"My first and only suspicion." Dominey echoed. "Everard Dominey. The Princess was pale with a passion which seemed to sob behind her words. it has been the truth." Schmidt had covered his face with his hands for a moment. She turned to her companion. and he told me his. you had the Imperial mandate. For the moment the man had neither courage nor initiative." he faltered. "I assured you at the Carlton. "My beloved chief!" he sobbed. and I have assured you a dozen times since." "Von Ragastein and I exchanged the most intimate confidences in his camp. The silence which reigned for several seconds was intense and profound. but not in greeting." "You killed him?" "I killed him. "which he had prepared for me. That is my name. Her white finger pointed straight at him. Her hand was extended towards Dominey. His body sleeps on the bed of the Blue River. His shoulders were heaving. "was that night when Wolff disappeared!"
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. "what have you done with my lover? What have you done with Leopold Von Ragastein?" "He met with the fate." he muttered." Dominey replied. "you had all Von Ragastein's letters. Seaman had still the appearance of a man struggling to extricate himself from some sort of nightmare. "My dear devoted master! Killed by that drunken Englishman!" "Not so drunk as you fancied him. "as Doctor Schmidt there knows. We fought and I conquered." "And your life here has been a lie!" "On the contrary. Doctor Schmidt?" she demanded. "You came to me at Cape Town." Dominey objected. That is who I am. He seemed as though he had received some sort of stroke. you knew his history." Dominey said coolly. His mind was travelling backwards. "not so far gone in his course of dissipation but that he was able to pull himself up when the great incentive came. when you first spoke to me. The coolest of all four was perhaps Dominey. "The Englishman. by God!" Schmidt answered. that I was Everard Dominey. I told him my history." she cried. "It was a matter of necessity. "Which is that. The letters and papers I took from him.Princess came a little further into the room." Dominey said." The Princess looked from one to the other of the two men." Seaman's voice seemed to come from a long way off.

" Dominey replied." Dominey replied. Seaman. what?" Eddy Pelham." was the fierce reply. From behind him. "What have I done?" he demanded. "four to two the other way." Dominey replied. cares to formulate a claim and sue me—" The Princess suddenly interrupted. "Naturally. I think. stood in the windowed doorway. and from underneath his cuff something gleamed. who has befooled you? You let him stand there and mock you. sir. We hope to find them very useful a little later on. "He knew the truth and was trying all the time to communicate with you. There was no fight. with a sudden white horror in his face. however. but a very alert gleam in his usually vacuous face. you two?" she cried. "I have just landed from East Africa. and more?" "I understood that was a gift. and was now completely unnerved. "What are you. was handcuffed in a moment." Seaman sprang forward like a tiger and went down in a heap as he almost threw himself upon Dominey's out-flung fist. stretching out her hands towards Schmidt and Seaman. "Are you lumps of earth—clods—creatures without courage and intelligence? You can let him stand there—the Englishman who has murdered my lover. and you do and say nothing! Is his life a sacred thing? Has he none of your secrets in his charge?" "The great God above us!" Seaman groaned. "Fortunately. "He has the Prince's memoirs! He has the Kaiser's map!" "On the contrary. his hands in his pockets. Her eyes seemed on fire. "One hundred thousand pounds. We knew nothing of the war when we started. "If the German Secret Service. "both are deposited at the Foreign Office. I had a secret service man in the house who was able to dispose of him. as both assailants hesitated." a good-humoured voice remarked from the window. not even a struggle. "You are two to one!" the Princess cried passionately. two exceedingly formidable-looking men slipped into the room. or that I were a man!" "My dear Princess. who had never recovered from the shock of his surprise. The latter was the first to break the curious silence. blinking rapidly." Dominey admitted." "It was you who planned his disappearance?" Seaman gasped. Schmidt came stealing across the room." "And the money?" Seaman continued. I came to
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. "Why am I treated like this?" "Doctor Schmidt?" Eddy asked pleasantly. and Schmidt disarmed. "That is my name."Wolff's coming was rather a tragedy. "I would to God that I had a weapon.

" was the surly reply. the secretary of the society for propagating better relations between the business men of England and Germany. He is an impostor—a murderer! He has killed a German nobleman. "there can be little conversation between us." Seaman declared."
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. "You and Von Ragastein together planned the murder of Sir Everard Dominey in East Africa. You're a curious." The Princess rose from the chair into which she had subsided a few moments before." Eddy answered coolly. but I preferred to meet him face to face with the truth upon my lips. to get on with this little matter. I could have slain him as an assassin. you two don't mean to be funny but you are. Schmidt—to kill him. "First of all. "You will find a military car outside. thickheaded race. you Germans." "You have said enough." he said. and then there's our friend here. That'll do for you." the young man remarked coolly. Take these men over to the guardroom at the Norwich Barracks. Any questions to ask. "Fate has gone against me. Von Ragastein planned my death in cold blood." he added. "to know by what right I am treated as a criminal?" "Because you are one. by the by. and I caught you creeping across the floor just now with a knife in your hand. "Princess." Schmidt shouted. exactly what he believed the Baron Von Ragastein was carrying out here—for Germany. I fought for my country's sake. "However. without the slightest risk. Seaman?" "None." Eddy murmured.expose that man. "I say. Dominey turned towards her. for England. I thank God that our master has abler servants than I and the strength to crush this island of popinjays and fools!" "Popinjays seems severe." "He has committed lese majeste!" Seaman gasped. in a hard tone. complaining because Sir Everard carried through in Germany. It was his life or mine. your house in Forest Hill and your offices in London Wall have been searched. "You are well-advised." he declared. accuses him of murdering a man who had planned in cold blood—you were in that. as he did for his. I have arranged for an escort to see them to town. "He has deceived the Kaiser! He has dared to sit in his presence as the Baron Von Ragastein!" The young man in flannels glanced across at Dominey and smiled. turning to one of his two subordinates. there's Doctor Schmidt accuses Sir Everard here of being an impostor because he assumed his own name." "I demand again. Yet I shall ask you to remember this. "Within the last two days. Tell the colonel I'll be over later in the day.

"Seaman has just offered Forsyth. "Tell me. "No fever or anything?" "Bless you." Dominey was watching the dust from the two cars which were disappearing down the avenue. but although I am a woman. I pray that I shall never see your face again. Be so good as to suffer me to leave this house at once." the young man confided. "Picture post-card of Norwich Castle. A different woman from what she was this time last year. and unattended. a hundred pounds to shoot him on the pretence that he was escaping. You treated Leopold perhaps better than he would have treated you. old dear. found all his thoughts absorbed by the struggle which was being fought out in the bedchamber above.The Princess looked at him with glittering eyes. Can I have a drink before I get the little car going?" The turmoil of the day was over. "She's doing all right. Dominey." Dominey threw open the windows which led on to the terrace and stood on one side. How did you manage to keep that fellow Wolff when there wasn't a war on. I can tell you. Eddy came strolling along the terrace a few moments later." he confided. He met Dominey's eager glance with a little nod. and neatly cleaned up. She passed by without a glance at him and disappeared." he admitted. after one silent but passionate outburst of thankfulness at the passing from his life of this unnatural restraint." she declared. and Dominey.
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. my burly ruffian in the blue serge suit. eh?" "Do you mean to say that he had plans of a fortress upon him?" Dominey asked. "Plans of a fortress. and he wasn't breaking the law?" The young man grinned. "We had to stretch a point there." he declared." he asked. "but keep it dark. no! She's as near as possible in perfect health physically. You were chivalrous towards me. those two. "there's one thing I have always been curious about. Eddy. "Nice old ducks. dear heart. "I shall hate you to the end of my days. "because you have killed the thing I love. I know justice. The old doctor came down and joined him at dinner time." "And what about Schmidt?" "Insisted on his rights as an officer and demanded the front seat and a cigar before the car started! A pretty job.

At their first kiss she thrilled from head to foot. From behind an unseen hand closed the panel. in which he knew that he. She stooped low. "Or?" Dominey insisted. She was a very real and a very live woman." Dominey promised. For a moment she laid her head upon his shoulder. She came to him with her arms outstretched and all the wonderful things of life and love in her shining eyes. "There were times when I couldn't believe that you were my Everard—mine! And now I know. the same strange. "After that I shall leave her entirely to herself. they smoked for a few minutes upon the terrace. However. she'll either be herself again. The memory of those earlier days of his return came back to him with all their poignant longings." he said. the concern of another race of men. his parched with the desire of years. with a pleased smile upon his face. Yet when there came what he had listened for so long. uncounted. the hope seemed frozen into fear. sipped his wine. his eyes fixed upon the slowly widening crack in the panel. He took her into his arms. stood up again and came towards him. emptied his glass and set it down approvingly. without a single illusion of any sort. "I shall remain with her for an hour or so. the old doctor tiptoed his way to his room. "Oh. The great world's drama. Along the corridor." Her lips sought his again. seemed like a thing far off. It was as it had been before. "Or that part of her brain will be more or less permanently affected.When she wakes up. The minutes passed into hours. "Everard!" she cried. That faint touch of the somnambulist had passed. Dominey sat in his easy-chair. The doctor parted with Dominey at the door of the latter's room. Thank heavens you're on the spot!" They finished their dinner almost in silence. I am hoping for the best. Afterwards. You'll be here in case there's a change?" "I shall be here. She came to him as she had never come before. Then they made their way softly upstairs. or—" The doctor paused. his hands griping its sides. unnoticed. would surely continue to play his part. Every fibre of his being seemed attuned to the magic and the music of one wild hope. He sat a little forward in his easy-chair. I have been so silly!" she confessed. He felt again the same tearing at the heartstrings.
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. stirred by a tumultuous wave of passionate emotion. too. unnerving tenderness.

who was seated a few feet away. wearing a long travelling ulster and a Homburg hat. however. "No more tea. smoking a long cigar. That’s Sanford
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. Miss Fairclough. The Black Box.Loved this book ? Similar users also downloaded The Double Four. The station-master. thank you. was standing a few yards away. turning to his companion. A dark. Edward Phillips Oppenheim A novel of English life of a melodramatic character. and carrying in his hand a brown leather dressing-case. across which was painted in black letters the name MR. all the same! You hear anything of it. Edward Phillips Oppenheim Excerpt: “You’re in luck. I went to bed last night soon after eleven—the Colonel had been route marching us all off our legs—and I never awoke until reveille this morning. to all appearance absorbed in studying the advertisements which decorated the grimy wall on the other side of the single track. sir?" he asked. Edward Phillips Oppenheim Excerpt: "Never heard a sound. was there himself. but a jolly sell.” he declared. No." the younger of the afternoon callers admitted. and. “That’s the most interesting man in New York—one of the most interesting in the world. with an inspector in attendance. Sleep of the just. Done splendidly. and all that sort of thing. The Zeppelin's Passenger. Edward Phillips Oppenheim Excerpt: There were very few people upon Platform Number Twenty-one of Liverpool Street Station at a quarter to nine on the evening of April 2—possibly because the platform in question is one of the most remote and least used in the great terminus. DUNSTER. The Vanished Messenger. JOHN P. thick-set man. getting rid of his empty cup and leaning forward in his low chair. so fascinating and so stirring that the most hardened reader can hardly fail to receive a series of thrills. Edward Phillips Oppenheim A novel about secret societies in New York. The Evil Shepherd. Alfred. thanks.

a glass of hock by my side. My glass of wine and my plate were moved with smooth and marvelous haste to his vicinity. with a newspaper propped up before me. a man who seemed to enter with a lightfooted speed that. It is a novel that "owes a lot to the wonderful adventure novels of writers like Rider Haggard. Ian Fleming. Edward Phillips Oppenheim A story of the diplomatic events leading up to the European War. I was seated at my favorite table against the wall on the right-hand side in Stephano’s restaurant. perhaps more significantly. Erskine Childers The Riddle of the Sands: A Record of Secret Service is a patriotic British 1903 novel by Erskine Childers. a scientist. was almost incredible.” “Who’s he?” “You haven’t heard of Sanford Quest?” “Never in my life. drank half a glassful of wine and leaned back in his chair.” An Amiable Charlatan. considering his size. which happened to be chicken en casserole. which gave authenticity to the story – the same ploy that would be used so well by John Buchan. were an impossibility." The Double Traitor. for a few moments. in fact. on the plate in front of me. He is a magician.Quest. it was a spy novel that "established a formula that included a mass of verifiable detail.” The young man whose privilege it was to have been born and lived all his days in New York. the Pierpont Morgan of his profession. without a word of warning. “is the greatest master in criminology the world has ever known." The Riddle of the Sands.
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. Edward Phillips Oppenheim "The thing happened so suddenly that I really had very little time to make up my mind what course to adopt under somewhat singular circumstances. I was. that were a staple of Victorian Britain".” he pronounced at last. John le Carré and many others. Words. halfway through dinner when. and a portion of the plat du jour. “Sanford Quest." Ken Follett called it "the first modern thriller. Under cover of the tablecloth a packet— I could not tell what it contained— was thrust into my hand. drew a chair toward him and took the vacant place at my table.

Is there a prince who can save her from ruin and recover the stone?
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. Edward Phillips Oppenheim An espionage novel set during World War I.The Kingdom of the Blind. Robert William Chambers A pastor's daughter is inadvertently involved the heist of the famous Dark Star gem. The Dark Star.